Band:	Warmen
Album:	Beyond Abilities
Style:	Progressive power metal
Release date:	2002
Guest review by:	Fierce Deity

01. Beyond Abilities
02. Spark
03. Hidden
04. Trip To...
05. Dawn
06. Singer's Chance
07. Alone [Heart cover]
08. Confessions
09. Salieri Strikes Back
10. War Of Worlds
11. Finale
12. E.W.O. Suite No.1 [Japanese bonus]

I'm sure any fan of Children Of Bodom, or anyone who likes keyboards in metal, knows the Finnish keyboardist Janne Wirman. Warmen is Janne's solo project and "Beyond Abilities" is its second album. And, hell, this album is great! If Janne already does a great job in Children Of Bodom, imagine what he can do in a band of his own! Write it down: this guy will be remembered for a long time for his amazing technique.

The first song, "Beyond Abilities," starts with a small sample from the movie "Amadeus" (the story of Mozart). And the rest of the song is an instrumental masterpiece. I'm not a huge fan of keyboards, I like it as I like guitars, bass and drums, but I simply loved this song. I never thought keyboards could do so well alone. And not just that one, but every single instrumental song is very good.

The best thing in the album is that it is very versatile. First, because the guest vocalists are great: Timo Kotipelto (Stratovarius, Kotipelto), Kimberly Goss (Sinergy) and Pasi Nykänen (Throne Of Chaos). Second, because the other band members do a good job too! "War Of Worlds" is a proof of how the guitars work in perfect harmony with the keyboards. And even the instrumental songs (with keyboards from the start to the end) are unique.

If you are a fan of keyboards and progressive metal, you should get this album now. And even those who never saw anything too special in keyboards (like me) should check this out: it's not just a "keyboard hero" album, is a great progressive/power album that can impress anyone.