METALWINGS are a Bulgarian five piece symphonic metal band from the city of Sofia. Emerging from their formation in 2010, it actually wasn't until 2015 they released three singles. These were "Crying Of The Sun", "Realm Of Dreams" from their EP titled FALLEN ANGEL IN THE HELL and "Second Chance" which was released the same year in 2015. Then in 2018, the band released their debut album FOR ALL BEYOND only two years after their EP was released too.

This was closely followed by two more singles in 2020, but now they have released their second album titled A WHOLE NEW LAND. This new album, in the same way as their first album, was released independently by the band in June 2021. The new album begins with of course "A Whole New Land" which includes a long crescendo with the band's symphonic trademark. The vocals don't come in till later on but this is certainly a majestic introduction to the album. In the mix, we also hear piano and strings too as well as percussive hits.

"Monster In The Mirror" starts with a high pitched instrument like a glockenspiel brightening up the track. The vocals contribute in an operatic style not to mention the guitar solo part. There is a focus on melodic rock and gothic influences too coming from the different instruments. "Like A Willow Without Tears" features another crescendo whereas the tempo is set by the bass guitar and the drums too. There is also more backing by the classical arrangement which is either strings or percussive hits again.

"I See Your Power" comes with another melodic twist to the usual symphonic sound. There is also the faster backbeat of drums and glorious guitar hooks. "Silence" has vocals that fluctuate in the backdrop of which we can hear trimmed back drums. The track continues on with variations in dynamics, tempo and instrumentation. "Still Believe In Us" is more of a quicker track with vocals and piano with acoustic guitar representing a gothic influence. There is also the stunning tone of what sounds like viola played beautifully.

"Killer Of The Angel's Love" embarks on a more sombre mood with the symphonic sound. Also angelic voices contribute with low or high range notation. There is an emphasis on the string arrangement especially with viola again. "Wonder Of Life" brings back the melodic rock sounds with vocals & piano carrying the melody. Drums exceed our expectations alongside classical musical gestures. "Passengers Between The Rails Of Life" shines through with wonderful chord progressions played on piano. There is no vocals at first but they do eventually come back to the fore after 2 minutes or so.

"Second Chance" brings more meaningful lyrical content whereas the intro is beautifully orchestrated. There are more prolonged sounds from guitar & drums on this track. Guitar also has a short time to show the players skills with pitch shifts and other effects. "Milo Moe Libe" which is the final frontier to this remarkable album, this features a guest appearance by GEORGI DOBREV who plays a Bulgarian folk instrument which sounds beautiful. The instrument is actually a chromatic flute more commonly known as a kaval. This final track with its lyrical content is actually spoken in Bulgarian too aside from piano which can be heard too with drums however it is the sound of the kaval that steals the spotlight here.

In comparison to the band's first album, this is certainly just as good if not better that the band have taken a step and landed right on their feet here. The combination of symphonic and operatic vocals are fantastic but the album is just so well produced, so do check it out. I can safely say that if you do enjoy your symphonic metal, you will not be disappointed by these guys.Overall: 8