MERLIN

HALLOWEEN are a French band who have changed their style over the years.This is their most Symphonic up to this point and it's a concept album although the lyrics are all in French so I can't follow along. Both male and female vocals on this one with plenty of strings and a very Classical flavour to their sound. "Le Conseil Des Demons" opens like a funeral march really until we get a change after 2 1/2 minutes with reserved vocals.It turns fuller quickly but the tempo will shift back and forth.Piano before 5 minutes followed by organ. A good start. "Le Proces" features spoken words, percussion and strings early then it settles until the vocals stop then it picks back up 3 1/2 minutes in.This is a really good instrumental section. It settles after 5 minutes then kicks back in a minute later with vocals. "Apres La Bataille" kicks in with guitar before 2 1/2 minutes then settles back with strings as contrasts continue. "Le Sacre" is very Classical sounding with strings leading. Not a fan of this. A change a minute in but it's not that much better until before 2 minutes when it picks up with prominant bass and guitar. "Table Ronde" opens with violin that actually reminds me of KANSAS. Great sound before 2 minutes with drums and guitar leading. It settles back with violin after 3 minutes. "Morgane" has these reserved female vocals that are the focus throughout. "Arthur Contre Morgane" is bombastic early then it settles with violin then vocals. Contrasts continue. Female vocals before 3 1/2 minutes. "Viviane" is a short acoustic guitar piece. "Dragon Rouge Dragon Blanc" is Classical sounding with strings, loud drums (kettle drums?) and other sounds. "Derniere Bataille" has horns that blast on and off before it gets heavier.This is good.That changes after 2 1/2 minutes as the strings start to lead. "La Morte De Morgane" is experimental to start then it kicks in around 2 minutes.Female vocals join in as well. "Foret" is dark with strings as it turns Classical sounding. It changes after 2 1/2 minutes with soaring guitar,bass and drums standing out. A low 3 stars for me, I just can't get into this album at all to be honest.