DAYS OF RISING DOOM - THE METAL OPERA

Aina: Days of Rising Doom is so much more than a concept-based supergroup. Its story is sweeping, its orchestration is rich, its instrumentality is impeccable, its vocals are expressive and its composition is totally solid.

While I'm not terribly familiar with many of the bands associated with the illustrious cast of players, I recognize quite a few voices from other projects, such as Ayreon.

As with any project involving many contributors, it's hard to pin the album down to a couple descriptors. The album is rife with riffs that grab hold and don't let go. The sonic atmosphere ranges from heavy, hard and driving (Flight of Torek, Son of Sorvahr, Rebellion) to ethereal and emotive (Silver Maiden, Rape of Oria, Serendipity), each section an effective complement to the story being told.

The music is quite straightforward. There's nothing very eclectic about any of these songs. Indeed, Aina can be called progressive rock only in its scope and in its use of orchestra and extended solos. That certainly doesn't make it any less enjoyable, however, and many of the arrangements are complex enough to keep the mind entertained on subsequent listens.

I've found that what most rock operas lack are great lyrics - and Aina is no exception. Tim Rice this is not. The words aren't doggerel, but they serve little purpose other than to tell the story and give a framework for the music.

For those who enjoy an easy listen, a rocking escape and an emotion-laden performance, Aina delivers. It's well worth the time spent getting to know it.

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