I recommend Ancestral Romance not only to those who already fans of the band and other symphonic power metal, but anyone wanting to discover fast-paced metal meshed finely with art music elements.
Originally written for www. Two warnings: first, if you're looking for a resurgence of the days of The Hall of the Olden Dreams or The Gates of Oblivion, this will not please you. Second, if you're not a big fan of symphonic metal, your mind is probably not going to be changed here. In a nutshell, "Ancestral Romance" is a more polished "Autumnal" with more memorable tracks and fewer missteps, and serves as the best album recorded without Elisa.
As a whole, in keeping with the Autumnal reference, the album feels warm and inviting, almost elegant, with much of the classical flair that's been the group's trademark since Day 1. Songs like "Gadir" and "A Music in My Soul" really show off their classical chops with flowing orchestral melodies, while "Love from the Stone" and "Alaric de Marnac" are more traditionally "metal" with crunchy guitars and frenetic drum work; all of these songs are delicious treats for the ears.
Alfred Romero has finally found his true voice with the group, which fits perfectly with the baroque-like melodies being churned out. It doesn't end there, either; "Mio Cid" is a great epic piece with some acoustic guitar licks that strangely make me feel like flamenco dancing.
All is not well, however. Also, "Ritual Fire Dance" tries to follow up on the overall feel "Cancion del Pirata" had, but ends up being too slow and too tired. And for those who come for the songs and stay for the riffs, you'll be a bit disappointed by the fact that the guitars are usually buried beneath the vocals and orchestra, but when those axes show their faces up front, you'll most likely be happy.
In the end, what we have here is a great symphonic metal album for those who already like symphonic metal, with a misstep here and there, without trying to emulate their brilliant early days and, instead, looking forward to a more warm and classical style.
As long as they don't venture into it expecting the long-awaited sequel to "The Gates of Oblivion," long-time fans of Dark Moor and similar groups will have very little to disagree with. Ah, Dark Moor. I've enjoyed the vast majority of this band's discography over the years, even their post-Elisa Martin albums which are a sore spot for some. In keeping with the theme of quality power metal albums I've covered lately, Dark Moor don't disappoint in the slightest with Ancestral Romance.
I wasn't expecting this album to be that enjoyable; it seems Dark Moor just don't have it in them to slump.
They keep going from strength to strength with each release and I think that Ancestral Romance is their finest work since Alfred Romero jumped on board. His vocals on this album are his finest to date, reminiscent of Roy Khan in places as well as some near-Tommy Karevik delivery in tracks such as "Gadir" or "Mio Cid".
The album isn't without its faults, fortunately they are only minor problems and don't really distract from the enjoyment. The main offender is the ridiculously fruity "Let's Rock".
The track is utter cheese, yet I will admit it has become somewhat of a guilty pleasure largely due to the kick ass riff introduced half way through or so. That aside, the only other slight hitch is the quality put forth in the first four tracks begins to diminish through the later half of the album.
However tracks such as "Cancion Del Pirata" and "Ah! Wretched Me" keep the attention through the later half, the latter being one of the finest tracks on the album. Overall I think this is one of the finer jewels in the Dark Moor treasury. Wretched Me" rank among some of the finest the band have done, reminiscent of their older material in places yet still pushing forward.
Ancestral Romance is a highly enjoyable record and is a worthy addition to any power metal fan's collection, particularly those of you with a penchant for the symphonic. Metal Archives loading Username Password Login. Bands alphabetical country genre Labels alphabetical country Reviews R.
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