SANCTUS IGNIS

Adagio is a symphonic prog/power metal band built around french guitarist Stefan Forté. As a french guy too, it's a shame I didn't discover this band earlier, because the music played here is of top quality. It's heavy, fast paced, very symphonic metal with a lot of classical influences, a cross between Blind Guardian and Therion.

The debut album "Sanctus Ignis" starts with "Second Sight" - a heavy rocker that sometimes reminds me of Tarot, with great guitar work. "The Inner Road" (presented on this page as a download) has more a Queensrÿche feeling - vocals and riffs really reminds me of Suite Sister Mary. "In Nomine..." starts with a classical intro, but then becomes really heavy though more classical parts will enhance the song further - a good symphonic metal song in the vein of Therion. "The Stringless Violin" starts again with a classical intro (organ, keyboard, choir) before becoming a very complex song - power metal (Blind Guardian style) blended with keyboard/piano interludes and guitar solos (one reminding me of "Lords of Karma" by Joe Satriani). "Seven Lands Of Sin" is the epic centerpiece of the album - this very melodic song is Adagio at their best. "Order Of Enlil" is an instrumental with the guitar really in front - here you can see the craftmanship of Stefan Forté... The title track "Sanctus Ignis" is a shorter song, heavier and faster but with still the classical interludes. "Panem Et Circenses" has a great symphonic intro/outro, but the melody and lyrics are the weakest on the album. "Immigrant Song" is the cover of a Led Zeppelin song - another instrumental showing the guitar skills of Stefan Forté. The album ends with the bonus track "Niflheim" - a demo version of the instrumental that will be featured on the next release "Underworld".

Rating: 96/100 (exceptionnal)