I couldn't keep my mind away from this thought: Well, maybe Maghary proves to be the equivalent of Tobbias Sammet (Edguy) in the field of 80's-spirited Power Metal. There's enough smoke to set the fire, I guess. Starting from the mastermind's young age, add his sufficient 'connections' with known Metal musicians and you've got the general idea. Thus, apart from Maghary's normal 'occupation' with German Power/Epic metallers Majesty, a massive project under the name of Dawnrider sees the light (or dawn?) of day and there sure is some interest here.
I consider both Majesty full length releases - Sword & Sorcery (2002) and Reign In Glory (2003) - to be more than average but less than impressive efforts. Flourishing honest spirit, still lacking of 'strong' songwriting - reminded me of Manowar's (the biggest influence of Majesty?) complexity in the Louder Than Hell (1996) and Warriors Of The World (2002) albums - I would not describe myself as thrilled. So, the idea of Maghary attempting to write down a concept album with lots of respected artists/musicians participating as guests (see the lineup info above) did prove to be tempting. Where would this idea end up to? Success and disaster are not that controversial at times...
Starting with the lyrical conception of Fate is Calling (Pt. I), this conceptual album deals with a fantasy tale, a story occurring in the kingdom of Riandra. The general idea - as I was told - is the everlasting 'Good vs Evil' fight. As Maghary is still in the works for the publishing of his first novel (he began writing it after Majesty's Sword & Sorcery debut), this narrative is said to occur in the same imaginary world as the CD's concept. Thus, it's obvious that the basic factors that build up such tales are more than apparent: pride, will to fight, dominance, honour, blood, doubt... you name the rest.
In terms of music: that's the good news. One level up from the Majesty releases, Fate is Calling (Pt. I) features 'convincing' Power/Epic Metal tunes that are a 'light/opera version' of bands like (80's) Manowar, Manilla Road, Helstar, Overlorde, Paragon, Wizard and such bands/sounds. Still, the really 'good' news is that Maghary wrote - and recorded - these songs in such way so as to 'approach' (and I think he will) younger Metal fans also (the I like Nightwish, Edguy and Rhapsody type). To expand: if a Metal opera is e.g. the Avantasia project then Dawnrider would initially be much 'heavier' for your ears. Yet, Maghary's clever move was this: he put keyboard 'hints' behind sharp guitars, he created atmosphere via adequate choir vocals (not like Blind Guardian, of course!) and - most of all - he insisted on an 'intellectual' mix/production. The outgoing result has the potential to be applicable to your case-specific needs: there's melody, there's power, there's epic, there's opera, there's narration, there's fantasy. Hence, the I like Nightwish, Edguy and Rhapsody quote was not previously written by mistake...
As for the tracklist and guests, there's not much to comment on. I don't see it as mandatory. All tracks are on the same level and it's destined to keep your CD player 'occupied' for quite a long time. Moreover, what kind of performance would someone expect from James Rivera, Rob Rock, Ross The Boss (!!!) or Mark Shelton? Lemme alone...
I enjoyed this one. Fate is Calling (Pt. I) created an impression that good compositions are always available in the air; it's a matter of will and inspiration to grab 'em and use them. I guess the normal CD release will have all the necessary extras to accompany the featured music, so there's no need to chat any longer on this.