Prior to listening to this Symphonic Power Metal piece of music, I tried to figure out the theme. Basically a Sci-Fi tale about a ship, or a flying city, or was it something way more distant that I couldn't really understand. Either way, even after listening to this album I didn't quite follow the storyline, kind of took bits and pieces trying to wrap them together into some sense. In overall, something existed, then invaded only to be destroyed, and that is the only first part of this long story about the Cloud Riders. At least that is the way I see it. Anyhow, this brand new release introduced me to the French Power Metal act of KERION, which rose earlier from the ashes of an instrumental Progressive Metal band that probably wished to expand its activities into something more serious. "Cloud Riders Pt. 1: Road To Skycity", via Metalodic Records, released as the band's third offering and yet another display of an eager group attempting to reach a theatrical standard while serving a platter of melodic and harmonious Metal. Furthermore, it seems that this group has been merging an almost forty people choir led by FAIRYLAND's vocalist Phil Giordana, which has also been serving as a guest vocalist, as an intensifying element to their dramatic musical concepts. Nonetheless, and I am referring to this new album only, I didn't thoroughly catch the bewilderment about this group's betterment though there is a guaranteed potential lying around.

The general arrangement of the songs led me to believe that KERION, as once a Progressive Metal group, have been aiming to explore further into the music, finding ways to keep an even flow, sort of a catchy form, while complexing things up to ensure that their boastful style would remain acute and highly persuasive showing the players' maximum abilities on display. Nonetheless I had my fair share of dilemmas regarding the album's proceedings. It began with the comprehensive production by Will Lievin, which seemed grandiose and verbose, didn't always flatter the players' abilities by issuing a moderate rated mixing. It continued with the vocal arrangements of the band's lead singer, Flora, which led me to think that her role in the band was a bit of a miss while most of the time singing in flat and lower tones than what she has been probably used to. Furthermore, her diction while singing in English isn't that regal as I had quite a few complications on distinguishing the lyrics. Gladly that on several of the songs, some of which were the shining pharos of the entire release, she had the help of guest vocalist as Phil Giordana (FAIRYLAND), Adrien Eyraud (SILENT FALL), Rapha Dantas (CARAVELLUS), casting an additional emotional spectrum with wonderful clean vocals and impressive growl performances that spiced things up a bit. Likewise, there has been the drumming; I noticed the band recruited a new guy called JB. Frankly, not all the drumming seemed human nature, maybe those were but edited lines or produced by a drum machine or by an electric drum kit. You might check go ahead "Ghost Society" in order to receive a glimpse of what I just wrote. As for the guitaring and rest of the arrangements, I found that there is something go on here.

KERION created a storyline built by a wide selection of riffs and some articulate rhythms well performed. I would have probably enjoyed their past instrumental endeavor even if it was in the vein of DREAM THEATER. Nevertheless, KERION is a different thing, following SYMPHONY X, PAGAN'S MIND, HELLOWEEN, GAMMA RAY and sorts, providing melodic Euro kind of progressed Metal affected by symphonic means. The album began with a letdown, continued with a promise only to succumb downwards in the final stages. "Tribal Vibes" is a brilliant track delivering well reserved riffs and a hell of a chorus with a fine piece of drumming. The ballsy "Fireblast" at first seemed like a common Power Metal song with a modernized edge, but it came up with some wonderful orchestrations that elevated its magnitude. "Never More", assembled as the commotion of its previous, seemed detached from the band's progressive vibe and into something a bit more smoother, still very good result. "The Sky Is My Ocean" was the first to truly grasp my attention on this release. A sweet kind of semi ballad with a great vocal performance that made me think that Flora has more to show than it would seem. In general, talented musicians, a potential vocal line, abeyant piece of material with a moderate production that has depth but not too overwhelming. Give this one a chance.