THE BLACK HALO

This is a band that I have tried and tried to get into over the last couple years, but haven't been able to. I can see why some would really enjoy this album. The singing is good, but not my style. The songs have very depressing undertones, but then again, it is called the Black Halo. The production value on this one is very good, with a great balance between the instruments and the vocals. March of Mephisto is my favorite track on this one, especially when the low piano line comes in. The biggest dissapointment in this album for me is its (here come the critics) lack of variety. I have listened to this one probably at least 20 times, and there has not been a single track that I really wanted to listen to again in the same day. The power metal sound gets very old to me without some outstanding quality to it that sets it apart from other power metal bands. There is a good attempt at blending the orchestral sounds with the metal, but it doesn't help add to the variety. I would much rather listen to Nightwish's Once. This one just doesn't have enough going for it to keep my interests. Recommended to a true power metal fan, but not many else.