Review Text
After a long battle the band has returned victorious with a result that is truly worth hearing! Dorian Opera's "Crusade" is an epic piece telling a story full of war and romance, loss, grief and hope. With racing speed this drama takes you along on an adventures journey, which is perfectly represented by the music. Constant restlessness, war and tempests are pictured and driven into a dramatic climax through complex and impulsive rhythms. The new concept album is based on a true event from the European medieval history: in the year of 1212, some thousands of French and German young people made their way to the Holy Land - the event which later became known as the Children's Crusade; this journey was at times just torterous, and had ended up in a disaster . After the successful debut of "No Secrets" in 2008 where the musicians have already shown a great hit-potential this album is going to a completely new level. One can really say that this band has found their own, unique style. Also in terms of members the band has become richer. With "Sven the axe" - vocal and songwriter of Solemnity the music has found an impressive and strong interpreter. Also the rhythm section has expanded: bassist Wolfgang Fetzer is in no way less skilled and professional as the rest of the group. Oliver Weislogel on the guitars who is also responsible for the songwriting as well as the production, drummer Harry Reischmann famous for his fire-show, and keyboardist Andrew Russak who has brought the story to life with his epic texts and some beautiful compositions too, are showing what is possible for a well rehearsed team. Who was surprised by the good quality of the guitar-solos and the clear and fast riffs will be delighted with the sound on "Crusade" that shines with thrust, clearness and preciseness. Everyone who loves complex and epic metal can really look forward to this album! Dorian Opera is: Sven The Axe - lead vocals Oliver Weislogel - electric and acoustic guitars Andrew Roussak - keyboards, string and choir arrangements, back vocals Joe Eisenburger - bass Harry Reischmann - drums Guest appearance of Alexandra Goess, vocals Produced, recorded and engineered by Oliver Weislogel Mastered by Christian Schmid at Music Factory, Kempten Story by Andrew Roussak All lyrics by Andrew Roussak & Sven The Axe Tracks 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 composed by Oliver Weislogel Tracks 1, 8, 9 composed by Oliver Weislogel & Andrew Roussak Tracks 6, 10 composed by Andrew Roussak Bandphotos by Rod Meier All layouts by Sven The Axe Coverartwork by Tuomas Pekkarinen, represented by Rainer Kalwitz, kalwitz@hotmail.com Copyright 2011. All rights reserved by Dorian Opera. SOLEMNITY MUSIC under license to Dorian Opera 2011 Status of the CD: audio CD, transparent tray, 16-page color booklet. Reviews' picks: 'The band mixes power, progressive and symphonic metal and wraps it up in an awesome display of musicianship and prowess. This is an intense listen and if you are looking for comparisons with other bands Symphony X and Dream Theater would be your best bet but Dorian Opera have a unique sound that is all their own.... It is early in 2011 but surely their brand new album Crusade 1212 will make many 'best of' lists come the end of the year. This is a great band and their latest album proves it without a doubt.' Jon Neudorf for Sea Of Tranquility, Progressive Ears - 08.05.2011 'The level of musicianship displayed here is rather stunning and outstanding, powerful musical interactions, well thought out songs that feature some really interesting time changes that is married by what can only be described as outstanding dexterity from all the participants. This is a band that plays high energy music, tearing their instruments up with style. We are talking about a band that has brought all their elements together, taking influence from the likes of Dream Theater, Symphony X and classic bands such as Yes, Rush and ELP and adding baroque, classical, renaissance and medieval music into the
