Melodic Metal pioneers STAR.GATE are back with their sixth full-length album entitled “Escaping The Illusion,” a monumental release that highlights the brilliant level of songwriting and musicianship of the band. A universe of dreamy melodies delivered through an epic soundscape of neoclassical magic, this is not an illusion. This is real music for the soul. This new album features vocals by the band’s new singer, Manos Fatsis. The album has eight songs.

“Hiding all the Tears” is first. The sound is thick and rich, with layers of keyboards and guitars, and animated bass notes. Although it is tinged with Progressive element, it also has that classical Power Metal sound.  “Deepest Sea” is also thick with keyboards. Vocalist Manos Fatsis” really has a nice voice with a wide range, and it is clear that his vocals are featured on the album prominently. “Lonely Queen” is the third song in a row with a heavy lamenting feeling to it. Let’s hope that they switch it up a little. There is nothing wrong with this emotional sound, but too much can weight on the listener.

“Life is an Illusion” is another emotionally heavy song, with a blisteringly macho guitar solo. The band isn’t without talent, but this same sound and same pace through the first half of the album is becoming repetitive. “Wounded Soul” has a wonderful vocal performance where Manos belts out his emotions through his voice. If there was any doubt as to his prowess, that is forever buried. “I Am Here” has a slower grind to really let that sounds soak in. “The Enemy Inside” sounds a bit like the previous song, but the band does do some Progressive exploration a bit. “Outcast” closes the album, and again, it runs a bit too close to some of the other songs.

Keyboards are an integral part of the album, and the production is crisp and clear as well. Their talent level is as high as I have heard this year also. It was a good album, and the emotional quality was high throughout it. A few of the songs ran together a bit for me with a too similar sound however.