Band:	Lunatica
Album:	Fables & Dreams
Style:	Symphonic power metal
Release date:	October 18, 2004
Guest review by:	Bas

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

"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*

Yes indeed, we ARE talking about a power metal CD here. And yes it is quite epic as well.

Lyrically Lunatica take us on a journey through dreamworls, legends, fables, fairytales and the like. The music is mainly trying to fullfill this purpose as well, giving us a chance to flee from reality for a moment and sink into the world of epic soundscapes and a beautiful voice. Technic-wise the music really isn't much at all. But that's not it's purpose. The music tries to be mainly epic and atmospheric. And it's extremely successful with that. The rythmic drumming and simplistic guitar work are paired with a very atmospheric keyboard and completed with a great voice.

This is a very good CD to listen to partly every once in a while, but the big downpoint is this. The album gets extremely boring and repeating after too many listens. Every single song is the same, symphonic power metal with pretty female vocals and a few gothic elements with fable-themed lyrics. Again and again and again. It's great at what it is, but it just doesn't have nearly enough variation, nor is it complicated enough, to listen to for a long time or very often.

The song Fable Of Dreams deserves special mention though. No matter how often I hear this one I still think it's a very beautiful and inspiring song. Great work of music, thumbs up to this one song.

Further this is an album which I like to listen to in specific moments. Although there are some scattered male vocals in different styles throughout the album which give it some variation, they don't give it enough to actually say this is a many-sided album. It really isn't. It's very good for when you want an atmospheric and pretty and easy-to-listen album. But only then.

Highlights: Avalon, Fable Of Dreams