Aina | ‘Days Of Rising Doom’

The last time the concept of a ‘Heavy Metal Opera’ was done with any degree of success was with Virgin Steele’s audacious and ambitious attempts. This one however completely tops any previous lienup that Im aware of for this kind of thing: around the core members of Aina are guested no less than thirty luminaries of the progressive and power metal scenes including names like Derek Sherninan, TM Stevens and Glenn Hughes. The one good thing about this creation is that it never sounds overblown or pompous, and never like its trying too hard. It all just sounds incredibly natural, with “Silver Maiden” displaying some especially great vocals and fantastical swathes. If it all gets a little saccharine there’s enough metal in here to please, with an absolutely incredible lick underpinning “The Seige of Aina”, which is literally so good as to bring tears to the eyes. Its a beautifully rounded out package, with an accompanying DVD and generous notation. Not really one for dipping into, but as a whole piece its as good a power metal workout as I’ve heard lately.

3.8 / 5. -Ciaran Tracey ::: 21/05/04