ANOTHER GOLDEN RAGE

3.5 (strict) stars really!

After The Art Effect, this is the second album I acquire from this highly promising German progressive metal band. Not a lot seems to have changed in their musical style or direction in 2 years, which remains loyal to the dynamic, riff-based power prog metal of the previous release.

Among the positive elements that the band has kept are the memorable vocals of Tobias Althammer and the great melodic, catchy refrains. The rhythms again are varied with great effectiveness from mid-tempo to powerful speedy ones. Keyboards play a more dominant role this time and the tracks have an extra touch of progressiveness, closer to the style of Vanden Plas - Unrestrained is a great example. In addition to the usual Heaven's Gate-alike power riffs (i.e. Transmigration, Shades of Black), there are moments in the album that resemble to other famous power or prog metal bands, something that was not directly noticeable in the previous release.

Thus, the opening track with the memorable refrain reminds me of the best moments of Geoff Tate's singing, whereas the solo parts of The Voice Within bring Shadow Gallery in mind, showing the multi-dimensional influences of the band - covering both sides of the Atlantic. Although the teutonic power metal background is evident, LANFEAR seem to experiment with other forms, such as symphonic short intervals (Eclipse) and ballads based solely on keyboards (Eternally) where the Queensryche effect is evident once more.

Coincidentally (?), the first half of the album is again much stronger compositionally and with more interesting arrangements. There are no really poor compositions but a few, such as In Silence and What... For, do not match the quality that the band is able to achieve. Seibel (keyboards) signs 3 out of the 11 tracks and the rest belong to Ullrich (guitars) who is again the main source of inspiration. Another Golden Rage is a step forward from The Art Effect in terms of variation and experimentation, but with slightly less engaging compositions. However, it should appeal to listeners that prefer the prog from the power element in such bands. If you like Labyrinth, Manticora, and even Vanden Plas, then this is a band you ought to explore.

Lanfear forth album named Another golden rage issued in 2005 at same Massacre records is another worthy album for sure and their second best after the excellent previous one The art effect. Keeping same attitude as before, progressive/power metal with uptempo passages, where the guitar of Markus "Ulle" Ullrich done some great job, captivating arrangemnts and yet melodic in places. I don't know why had to go after this album Tobias Althammer the vocalist, because he was and still is one of the best voices I've heared in this style of music, he fits perfect in this prog/power metal atmosphere, his range is powerfull and has some spectacular parts here aswell like on previous one. The production besides music is crystal clear, every instrument really shines and sound godly. Even the instrumental arrangements are not very long, there are some fantastic passages I like to pull ot , like the killer opening track, the title of the album, superb, solid, powerfull and with a voice hard to forget, the more progressive metal pieces like The Voice Within with some good keybord solo, What...for or The Unrestrained and Shades of black. I have also another mention that here is one mellow piece named Eternally , simply said great, proves once again that Lanfer knows to compose not only faster and power pieces but more smoother where the voice of Tobias Althammer is on the highest level, showing that he can handle very well the more calmer register not only the one with more attitude. So, all in all another great Lanfear album, maybe not as perfect as The art effect, being my fav Lanfear album, but still a solid and catchy release that will pleases many fans of the genre. While their are not very known to wider public, for sure they desearve better then is seen today. 4 stars again, ok more like 3.5 rounded to 4 this time, they worth it. After this album they will change vocalist and to me at least, they were not as good as before. I remain to thise two albums to be their best so far The art effect and Another golder rage. They preparing for a new album soon to be released.