From their Facebook page, Progressive/Power Metal band WINTER's VERGE is from the small island of Cyprus. Formed in 2003, they endured countless line-up changes, but managed to release four studio albums. "The Ballad of James Tig" is their fifth, and contains nine tracks. "It Begins" opens the album. It opens with some light symphonic elements and the easy listening vocals of Charlambous. From there, it begins to build, with some harmonized vocals. Then, he stretches into the upper ranges of his voice. The slow moving song takes on ominous and regal tones.

"A Thousand Souls" opens with more of those symphonic elements and when the main riff hits, it's like a clap of thunder. The drums get going and it's a full on assault. The harmonized vocals in the chorus lift the song to another level. It ends on a grandiose tone. "Dead Reckoning" opens with full-on instrumentation and a somber, serious note. The vocals vary from soft and calm to full, rich and somewhat angry. This song is all about might and power. "Timeless" opens with soulful singing and harmonized vocals with a female. It is very emotive and you can easily get lost in the tale here. It starts to build with symphonic instruments and then crescendos with full instrumentation towards the end. The operatic female vocals are gorgeous.

"Killagorak" is a short, two-minute instrumental, setting a solemn tone...perhaps a preamble to war. Vocal chants mix in the cello and other instruments in a dark corner somewhere away from everyone and everything. "I Accept" opens with piano and light strings, and some timpani. Then, the main riff comes chugging through the mist and right at you. It moves forward with a slightly faster pace, but those ominous tones are weighted for sure. Some soft and pensive female vocals temper the earlier aggression, but a guitar solo ushers it back in.

"Blood on the Foam" opens with strings and horn. The main riff is more mid-tempo in pace and the symphonic elements are ever-present. Charalambous's vocals can be very powerful, as they are here, especially in the chorus. The sound attacks and then retreats a few times along the way, placing emphasis on the attacks when they come around. "The Sea" is an eight-minute beast, opening with charming but somber keys, and low, hushed vocals. The female vocals are gorgeous and usher in an emotive feeling from there. Majestic qualities really come through strong here.

The title track closes the album. It opens with Folky elements and the sense of the end of an epic tale. It's quiet, pensive, and thoughtful, with just some light vocals accompanying the fokly instruments. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the album. Sparkling with might, power, and the confident vocals of George Charalambous, the tale that is told is rich in symphonic elements and bold and convincing chord structures. The dark and ominous tones give way to hope at times. This album really takes you on a journey that you don't want to wake up from.