(Symphonic Power Metal / Progressive Metal) Sons Of Seasons - Magnisphyricon - 2011, FLAC (image+.cue) lossless

Gods of Vermin" is the impressive debut release by Sons of Seasons, a band that even with its first signs of life delivers breathtaking tempo.
Mastermind and keyboardist Oliver Palotai, who has already proved his prowess with Kamelot and Doro, alongside his fellow combatants provides for a complex, yet catchy album that allows for new musical discoveries with each listen. Vocalist Henning Basse (Metalium) refines this particular brand of dark symphonic metal with his strong and clean voice, though the gem's final polish is the courtesy of none other than Simone Simons of Epica fame, who validates her rightfully earned reputation as one of the best vocalists on the scene. "Gods of Vermin" is an album filled with magic, awaiting only its discovery!
An overview of the band’s history so far:
‘Sons Of Seasons’ was founded in 2007, around January. Up to this point Oliver Palotai has always been an instrumentalist in bands that already existed way before he became a member – for example Kamelot, Doro, CircleIICircle, Blaze or Uli Jon Roth. Alongside he worked as songwriter and producer. So what he finally needed was a melting point for all his skills, as player, composer and producer.
In January 2007, Oliver Palotai and drummer Daniel Schild were still members of Blaze, the band of Iron Maiden’s former singer Blaze Bayley. Disagreeing with the methods of Blaze’s new management the whole line-up decided to quit.
It was the perfect point of time for Oliver not to search for another existing project to participate but to start his own thing, a musical playground without limitations. Based on not always positive experiences of the past Oliver knew that the perfect line- up had to consist out of great musicians, without doubt, but also out of persons being able to work as a team for many upcoming years without tripping over oversized egos. So, the first member besides Oliver was drummer Daniel Schild, joining in Spring 2007, and Jurgen Steinmetz on bass, in the following summer.
The biggest challenge for Oliver during the initial songwriting process was to bring all his passion for Metal, Jazz and Classical Music together.
Surprisingly, once started, it was easier than he thought it would be. At a quite early point you could already hear & feel how Sons Of Seasons would sound like.
Also around summer 2007, the first singer, Tijs Vanneste, was found. Although Tijs proved to be a great musician the bands’ future touring plans didn’t fit the tight working schedule at his job. Still, in some of the songs of the debut album, you will find a couple of songs with parts inspired by his ideas.
Oliver met Henning Basse, the new and final vocalist, during a tour in Japan. Amazed by the singers’ outstanding live performance Oliver got in contact with Henning end of 2007 and introduced the song material. Henning immediately saw common musical ground and started adding his ideas to the material.
The lyrics reflect mainly Oliver’s interests and passions besides music: Literature, history, politics, science and the cultural heritage of every part of the world. That is what Sons Of Seasons is about.
The band performed their first concerts in February 2009 and while the lyrics might be more delicate, Sons Of Seasons proved to be a well- oiled metal machine on stage.
Their debut album was released in April 2009 and the second one is scheduled for March/April 2011.
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After such an auspicious and welcome debut, Magnisphyricon finds Sons of Seasons on track and progressing. Formed by keyboardist Oliver Palotai (Kamelot, Doro), progressive may be the operative word here.
Certainly the themes of dark symphonic metal remain from Gods of Vermin, with liberal doses of power and classic metal. Yet, Magnisphyricon is rather expansive offering greater intrigue in the arrangements (which is hardly surprising considering Palotai's love of metal, classical and jazz music). The two parts of Casus Belli are symbolic of SoS exploring and pushing at the boundaries of both composition and musicianship for some dramatic progressive metal. Some songs, like Into the Void or A Nightbird's Gospel, turn on a magisterial arrangement with moments of intense heaviness. This is certainly also true on Tales of Greed where pummeling power metal pushes the song and vocalist Henning Basse (Metalium) is at his most raw and foreboding (only to be tempered by segues of unexpected subtlety). Later, 1413 combines all these elements into an impressive whole; it's a most excellent track.
But there's also more conventional material here. Bubonic Plague combines basic symphonic and power metal elements into a highly attractive, accessible, and entertaining tune. Two songs later, on Sanctuary, Epica's Simone Simons returns to add her voice and color to what can only be described as symphonic, and gothic-like, melodic metal.
With Magnisphyricon, Oliver Palotai and Sons of Seasons easily equal and progress beyond their debut. Combining elements of symphonic, power, and progressive metal, SoS allows you to journey with them as they explore and expand their musical boundaries. Strongly recommended.
Review written by Craig Hartranft for www.dangerdog.com

SONS OF SEASONS — the new progressive/symphonic metal band led by keyboardist/guitarist Oliver Palotai (KAMELOT, DORO) — will release its sophomore album, "Magnisphyricon", on April 1 via Napalm Records.
"Magnisphyricon" is not a mere continuation of their chosen path, but rather a bold step into unexplored musical territories. The band performs the difficult feat of balancing technical prowess with memorable melodies. Some of the best examples of this gripping mix of musical complexity and headbanging quality are "Soul Symmetry" and "Tales Of Greed". The new songs also provide Henning Basse (METALIUM) a forum in which to prove his vocal talents and ennoble the album with sweeping renditions.
Simone Simons (EPICA) again lends her captivating voice, making the track "Sanctuary" one of the album's undisputed highlights. The powerful and lively production completes the listening experience and gives the tracks their crystal-clear quality. "Magnisphyricon" is a profound and multifaceted melodic symphonic metal album that will whisk you away to a breathtaking sound universe.
http://www.sonsofseasons.com/shop.html
http://www.nuclearblast.de/de/produkte/tontraeger/c...nisphyricon.html
http://www.metalstorm.net/bands/album.php?album_id=43052
http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=8450065

Henning Basse - Vocals (Metalium (Deu), Errantry, Brainstorm (Deu))
Oliver Palotai - Keyboards, Guitar (Kamelot, Circle II Circle, Doro, Blaze (Gbr), Epica (Nld))
Pepe Pierez - Guitar (Ancient Curse)
Jurgen Steinmetz - Bass (Silent Force, Headstone Epitaph, Rock Ignition)
Daniel Schild - Drums (Blaze (Gbr), Afshin, Justin Nova Band)