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Lunatica - Fables & Dreams review



Reviewer:
8.0

79 users:
7.67
Band: Lunatica
Album: Fables & Dreams
Style: Symphonic power metal
Release date: October 18, 2004
A review by: Undercraft


01. The Search Goes on
02. Avalon
03. Elements
04. Fable of Dreams
05. Still Believe
06. The Spell
07. The Neverending Story
08. Hymn [Ultravox cover]
09. Silent Scream [2004 version]
10. A Little Moment of Desperation

Good yet not too inventive

Is funny that a band from Switzerland uses a Spanish word as a band name, although quite understandable for all, Lunatica is the female form of Lunatic, also Lunatica is a Gothic Metal band and Fables & Dreams is their sophomore effort.

I could describe this band as a mix of Nightwish and Edenbridge, while the style is mainly Gothic Metal you'll find some Power Metal overtones here and there, I assume this comes from direct influence of their producer, no one else than Mr. Sascha Paeth, pretty popular for his work with established Power acts like Rhapsody and Kamelot.

Two thing stand out In this album, Andrea Dätwyler's gorgeous voice and Alex Seiberl's keyboards, although sometimes they sound too much like Nightwish trademark keys. Songs are catchy and mostly mid-tempo. Production-wise is a work of art (thank you again Mr. Paeth) and visually is also stunning, the artwork and booklet design is quite good if you ask me.

The album starts with a spoken intro telling the overall concept of the album I presume, the music here is quite uplifting, and reminded me of those bid budget adventure movie soundtracks. It tells about a book called Fables & Dreams, it was born in heaven and it protected the hope and dreams of the people and somehow it has a connection with Atlantis, I don't really know, I'll have to ask for a Song By Song!

"Avalon" starts right after the intro track ends, this is a mid-paced song with great and catchy chorus, "Elements" is a great song also, but the keyboards are way too reminiscent of Nightwish, nice electro samples can be found in "The Neverending Story", "Hymn" is also a excellent song with nice melodies and excellent vocals. There's also a new version of "Silent Scream" (song featured in their debut album "Atlantis").

Lunatica really did it here, a solid album for fans of Gothic and female vocals. My only problem is the obvious influences, they need to work just a little more to create their own sound. Hope they can achieve this on their third album.

Written by Undercraft | 27.04.2005



Guest review by
Bas
Rating:
7.8
"Long ago, Atlantis was found. But my search continues, the search for a book. This book was born in heaven, it protected all of our dreams, stories and hopes. Now it's time to open this book, it's time to read the first chapter of Fables & Dreams." *the cry of a sea-bird and then epic introduction music*

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published 04.12.2006 | Comments (0)


Comments

Comments: 3   Visited by: 28 users
04.11.2006 - 14:53
Valentin B
Iconoclast
the album flows really good, it's almost like one song in a dozen parts, but i don't like the vocal work, it sounds electronic and i never loved synthed female vocals
the production is fantastic and the keyboards sound nice n epic
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31.01.2007 - 07:23
Rating: 9
Arrwyn
It was, in my opinion, a very strong album from them. They have certainly jumped up a step since their last album, Atlantis. The keyboards, in my opinion, were very very strong; I'd say as strong as Nightwish's if not better.
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17.10.2007 - 15:54
moonton
Account deleted
i like the way they do with their keyboards. they have improved. much better than their first album, Atlantis.
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