In the same vein as THUNDERSTONE and SONATA ARCTICA, SYMPHONITY is a fantastic Symphonic Metal band with soaring vocals and thunderous guitars. Their premiere album was the first time in years that we had heard from Olaf Hayer of DIONYSUS fame; and teaming up with Herbie Langhans of SINBREED to share the vocal workload should get any fan of the genre clambering to listen to SYMPHONITY. Olaf and Herbie switch-hit on the vocals, with Olaf leaning towards the slower, more reflective tracks and Herbie taking command of the Power Metal vocals.

The LP starts off with the title song and a slow start filled with tension and mystery, taking you back in time with otherworldly grandeur. "The Choice" is a roaring track - like a question ended with titanic punctuation - the chords blending into an ass-kicking melody. "In the Name of God" sounds more like something by HAMMERFALL, with a distinctly medieval tilt that brings to mind baeds singing of a heroic victory in a tavern somewhere.  A free and distinctly breathy track,"Flying", is a beautiful piece that brings along powerful Power Metal vocals and a catchy hook.

Starting off with the rhythmic beeping of a muted heart-monitor, "A Farewell That Wasn't Meant to Be" is a mournful lament that appears to fall flat. It could indeed have been a powerful, heart-wrenching dirge, but it just can't seem to find that sweet spot for me. "Children of the Light" is one of those tracks that really demands your attention with its fierce Power Metal and Symphonic elements bringing cohesion and gravitas to song. Some electronic distortion to the guitars and the powerhouse vocals puts this track on par with some of the best in the genre right now.

Slowing down again we get "Siren Call", which brings in acoustics and contemplative overtones. Not a bad track by any means but it's not my favorite track from the LP. The penultimate track "Out of this World" is guaranteed to be a hit for fans of AVANTASIA whilst the finale "Anyplace, Anywhere, Anytime" is a synth-heavy track with about half of the lyrics sung in German. The latter has an incredible triumphant energy to it, tying in elements from past tracks that all serve to make for a memorable sendoff.

All in all, "King of Persia"is a fabulous Melodic/Symphonic Metal album with good variety and dynamite performances all around. Take a moment out of your day to follow the link and I promise that you won't regret it.