I was particularly convinced by their critically acclaimed debut album "Bringer Of Light" (2012). I was glad to know that the follow-up to this brilliant disc was also mixed and mastered by Scott Atkins at Grindstone Studio, Ipswich, so I was curious, to say the least, to enjoy this new and 2nd album by UK symphonic/epic metallers DAMNATION ANGELS.

Immediately, the sound mix is perfect between the orchestrations and the Heavy stuff; the opening cut "Finding Requiem" is an archetype of pure majesty, in perfect consistency with their early Neo-Classic Metal in a full orchestral envelope. The catchy "Icarus Syndrome", the Power Metal infused "Closure" (very close to VANDEN PLAS) and the bombastic, but acoustically subtle, "The Frontiersman" are one of those examples that would, of course, be considered as the blueprints for a new method; an imaginative concept crafted with delicate lead vocals, designed by some high end harmonic intervals and an impressive arsenal of well-written arrangements like in the instrumental, "The Fire Inside"!

The Symphonic elements are very up front here, while the strong guitar riffs are more discret but still efficient ("Everlasting"), the modern KAMELOT influence is very obvious in the whole album, particularly in "This Is Who We Are". The vocal performance of Mr Pellek is still very similar to Roy Khan's typical tone. Once again, the mix between Power Metal aggressiveness & majestic symphonic parts are perfectly balanced in a more grandiose and solemn territory (the closing "Under An Ancient Sun" and the aforementioned "The Frontiersman"). The nine tracks are running in a very coherent way like an epic journey updated by a splendid sonic execution .

The driving force behind DAMNATION ANGELS, the multi-instrumentalist Mr Will Graney (WHITE EMPRESS), his brother John & Per Fredrik "Pellek" Asly (THE ANABASIS/also frontman for the disappointing project QANTICE) are forming an amazing team; the artistic emulation is obvious, their combination is successful, this British/Norwegian alliance once called DAMNATION ANGELS is stronger than the sum of its elements!

After the high-marketing-hype-publishing for the latest NIGHTWISH's album "Endless Form Most Beautiful", and just before KAMELOT's "Haven", the symphonic battle for the best album will rage for a few month. If I have to choose my side, right now, it would be "The Valiant Fire".

A very good album that is not easy to integrate in its fullness at first, but always rewarding in the long term...Recommended!<