As it seems this something closer to a project and less than a full time band. In fact this is the impression I got while I was reading the band's biography. ARCANE REALITY was formed in September of 2009 from members that were already in other bands. As it seems they these guys were searching to do something musically different and hence ARCANE REALITY was born.

"Beyond The Sea" is the band's prime recording that is in the form of a self-released three track EP. The self titled track opens this CD with a fast guitar riff that could be mistaken to belong to the Power Metal scene. But, hold your horses 'cause Isa singing identity has a different opinion about it; her operatic vocals bring the band closer to NIGHTWISH and EPICA a fact that is more pronounced by the melodic keyboard work. Despite these distinct references ARCANE REALITY manage to put something on top of them and make the result kind of interesting. The progressive layer that covers the music has some of the heaviness of SYMPHONY X latest work "Paradise Lost" and that really shines during the very good solo. It is obvious that this band is still developing a more personal character walking upon the aforementioned influences. And this is acceptable if you consider ARCANE REALITY's young age.

The mid tempo "Frustrate" comes with additional keyboard melodies that along with the clean guitar arpeggios reveal a nice Hard Rock lining that could be the band's final destination according to my taste. Talking about personal taste I have to admit that I would love less operatic vocals because sometimes it feels like they do not fit 100% to the music.

This release closes with the atmospheric "Disillusioned Soldier" entering with piano-like keyboards and additional acoustic guitar sounds. Isa sounds way better during the first minutes but she kind of spoils my mood when she using here operatic voice. This is an already over-used recipe and since ARCANE REALITY sound to have the potentials to something more why do they have to walk that path? The song becomes more interesting as it reaches a climax with some male backing vocals earning some heaviness until the end.

Nevertheless, "Beyond The Sea" have some interesting ideas and sure can be the introduction to a promising band. Visit their myspace and get to know their music; maybe we will deal with them in the near future...