CONTROL THE STORM is a UK-based Melodic Metal band that's been in the scene since 2012, after winning Reading's "Metal to the Masses" competition. This is their second studio album after "Beast Inside", released in 2015.

"Darkest Fantasy" opens with a slow, orchestral march leading into an old-fashioned symphony orchestra; there's no hint of electronics or videogame symphonics... yet. As the drums roll up, I'm falling in love with the buildup in this song. While the opener clocks in at over seven minutes, it doesn't feel like a slog to get through. Even through the solo, the melody changes, slowing down to feel like another buildup and keeping my interest through the seven-minutes.

The vocalist is good. She has a smooth voice that reminds me of Simone Simmons or Floor Jansen. However, on a couple tracks, her upper register sounds strained; it's barely noticeable, just something that needs a little work to preserve her voice.

"Strike to Defend" is a fast, thrashy and rolls right into the meat of the song. The electronics and staccato lyrics make this more of a standard song, but I prefer the more melodic stylings of the last song. However, I believe this would be a fun song to see live, especially with the intense guitar solo.

"New Era" is anthemic and I love how the choral beginning highlights it. The music slows down for a drum riff, and when the verse starts, the echoing vocals are powerful. The vocals are smooth, and sound great through the song. There's great technique in the guitar solo and some nice drum rolls are implemented in the final chorus. It's a great, powerful song.

"Follow Me" starts off with some lighter symphonic elements in the beginning, showcasing a different style that adds variety to the album. I love the melodies and vocal harmonies in the chorus, but there were parts where the chest/head voice change was noticeable. Overall, it was a pumped song and I enjoyed it.

"In the Night" is the album's slow song. The piano opening is nice, and the vocalist's upper register is strong at this tempo. I don't care for the voiceover/sudden cuts from one line to the next in the verses - it feels rushed. The choral elements and increased intensity are good in the second verse. The cuts work better there due to the heavier sound and added instrumentals. I adore the harmonies, as well as the tone change before the guitar solo. While I wish the ending had some more strength, it was a solid ballad.

"Chaotic Mind" is one of my favorite songs on the album for the ambiance alone. I love the mandolin-sounding opening, with the crushing drums like waves, leading into a melody change before the meat of the song. The disconnect in the chorus and the key/pitch change in the solo work wonders in the song. I love the variety in the guitar solo, it lends itself well to the long, instrumental break and shows what the guitarists can do.

"Hidden Wonder" has an intense waltz intro giving way to a sea-shanty melody. Again, I love the harmonies and choral elements, and the time change near the end of the song is an interesting touch.

"Curse of the Voiceless" is harder and start off with more traditionally Metal guitars. I love the melody and how it captures my attention. This is the only song with guttural vocals on it, and they utilize them well in an exchange between soprano and gravel.  The speed-up in the second chorus is another nice touch, but the melody change before the refrain can come off as a little disjointed.

"Forevermore" is the 13-minute closing track with some great ambiance and buildup at the beginning. While they don't get to the vocals for three minutes, the instrumentals make it worth the wait. Like any good Metal song, the melody changes are synonymous with a symphony, creating movements between guitar solos, speed and melody changes and vocal harmonies. The waltz in the middle of the song is beautiful, giving way back to jabbing choruses and then a change to a piano line.

Overall, this album feels as magical as a NIGHTWISH album. Small criticisms aside, it had some wonderful moments that I absolutely adored, and the band has some interesting songwriting tricks up their sleeve that keep listeners engaged throughout. Their biggest strengths are variety and buildup, keeping their longer songs fresh. Two thumbs up from me!