After many years forgotten somewhere in the past, the format called Rock Opera (and so on, Metal Opera) gained new forces and came back from the dead. Today, it's not as difficult to hear as it seems new bands and albums on such way. And AVALAND walks such path, as can be heard on "Theater of Sorcery".

In the reality, the band and this album are brainchilds of Adrien G. Gzagg (a French singer, and the composer and writer of the history), and the musical way of the band is a mix between Symphonic/Power Metal with Epic parts, in a way similar to names as AVANTASIA, but not being a copy of it. And as an Opera, there are many invited singers to create the right ambiences and contrasts. Yes, you'll hear the talent of Ralf Scheepers (PRIMAL FEAR), Zak Stevens (SAVATAGE/TSO), Zaher Zorgati (MYRATH), Emmanuelson (RISING STEEL), Stefan Forté (ADAGIO), Madie (NIGHTMARE) and others musicians during the album but on the booklet, all the infos are there.

The sound quality of "Theater of Sorcery" is based on a clean and defined production, to enable the songs to gain life and the right expressiveness. As anyone can expect, it's clear, but has that essential weight, something that's usual for such Metal genre. But it could be better in some points.

As an Opera, each song is rich in musical arrangements and instrumental details, but nothing sounds boring or excessive. And songs as "Theater of Sorcery", "Gypsum Flower" (some heavy Oriental elements can be heard on the orchestrations and guitar riffs), "Storyteller", the hooking and climatic melodies of "Escape to Paradise", "Never Let Me Walk Alone" (that has an accessible appeal), "Déjà Vu" (full of contrasts), and the amazing contrasts between ambiences of "War of Minds" are indicated for a first time on their musical work. But on the second, surrender yourself to the appeal of "Theater of Sorcery".

Obviously, AVALAND still have potential to make things even better. But for now, this album deserves a physical copy in every Metalhead's collection.