(Neoclassical/Melodic Power Metal) [CD] Warmen - Beyond Abilities (Japanese Edition) - 2002, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

As a keyboard player, I always searched for some band or solo-proyect that focused on the synth-playing, still keeping the other instruments in the spotlight, deserving as much respect as they could because of the talent they had as musicians. I tried out listening to Bob Katsionis, expecting certainly a good surprise, and well, for instance it was, but eventually got boring for me and I decided not to keep on his music too much. So, I found out that Children of Bodom's keyboardist, Janne Wirman, had this side-proyect named Warmen. This was actually interesting for me, since he is a talented musician by himself, and I decided to give any album by this proyect a try. Luckily, this album's name (Beyond Abilities) called my attention enough for me to listen to it entirely, and I was nothing but pleased about what I heard.
The album, as previously mentioned, focuses pretty much on the synth playing. Wirman uses his keyboard to keep the songs steady with a harpsichord patch by going in full synchronization with the guitar riffs and giving the introducing tune in most of the songs. This is one element that is found in almost all of the instrumental tracks in the album. On the rhythm, we have Antti Wirman (Janne's brother, intersting fact: it's his first album with the band) playing some catchy riffs and some great solos here and there. And, of course, the bass master, Lauri Porra, giving the backup this awesome style only he knows how to do, and even playing various bass solos along the album. There are also good drumlines in here that are worth being paid attention to.
Wirman managed to get some nice guest singers in here, those being Timo Kotipelto (Stratovarius), Pasi Nykanen (ex-Throne of Chaos) and Kimberly Goss (Sinergy). Kotipelto sang on "Spark" and "Singer's Chance". The first one's lyrics were also written by him. It is actually one of my favorite songs in the album; there are interesting keyboard backgrounds and nice solos, and Timo's voice is pretty enlightened in here. Mr. Nykanen sang in "Dawn", which I like because of the instrumental section, specifically the bass part (here, Lauri Porra deserves all the attention). Kimberly Goss was in my opinion the worst thing in the whole album. Her vocals are just emotionless and she doesn't even has a good voice. Anyways, the songs with lyrics are (mostly) worth listening.
The mood along the album varies a lot, even though overall there is this darkness or gloom along all of it. By consideration of many, I've been told that the harpsichord and the strings/choir give the album an scary touch which I consider to be the neoclassical part, and the solos, whether it may be guitar or keyboard, are the power metal part of the songs, since they have pretty much the style of most power metal solos: fast scale runs, tremolo picking, sweeps and tapping. The most amazing element of the whole album is the perfection they accomplish while playing, doing scale changes during the solos and they seem so natural that, at least for me, are unable to be noticed. This gives the songs that touch of excellence that I've only managed to listen in Wamen.
Summing it all up, the album is an excellent compilation of neoclassical melodies given by the keyboard, stunning, light-speed solos in every single instrument and varied tracks with catchy lyrics that will make you keep sticked to it for a long while
Highlights: All but "Hidden", "Alone" and "Confessions"
Review written by PowerDaso for www.metal-archives.com

Janne Warman - Keyboards, Piano
Antti Warman - Guitars (rhythm)
Sami Virtanen - Guitars (lead)
Lauri Porra - Bass
Mirka Rantanen - Drums
Pasi Nykänen - Vocals
Timo Kotipelto - Vocals
Kimberly Goss - Vocals