TERAMAZE have been at the forefront of the Progressive Rock/Metal scene in Australia for some time. The band saw great success and recognition after the release of critically acclaimed 2015 album "Her Halo," a concept album rich in storytelling, beautifully orchestrated music topped off with heart wrenching lyrics.

Now in 2021, six years later, TERAMAZE are set to deliver their most ambitious body of work to date. "Sorella Minore" is the second installment of the "Her Halo" saga and it continues the tumultuous story of two sisters. Soon after her older sister's death in a suspicious accident, the younger sister is kidnapped and locked away from the outside world. Held captive, in a desolate castle tower, her only company is the man who will decide her fate, The Tyrant. He tells her she will soon be forcibly betrothed to him by the foul beast he calls "father". Her only hope is to convince The Tyrant to not be swayed by his father's riches and power, to defy his demonic will and help her escape. The album contains four tracks.

The 26-minute opus "Sorella Minore" leads off the album. It opens with some piano and key notes, leading to a slow and sad riff. Six minutes in, the sound drops to just come clean guitar notes and Dean's emotive vocals. "Wake up" he croons, then lays down a beautiful and expressive guitar solo. It takes a darker turn around the eight-minute mark, with some piano, strings and female spoken words. Some harsh vocals give it an angry edge for just a spell, then it's back to the melancholy tones. Sixteen minutes in, it slows again, and the clean female vocals return for just a couple bars. It builds to a crescendo towards the end, with each and every instrument playing a role, ending on charming clean guitar notes.

"Stone" begins with soft clean guitars and some harmonized vocals. The chorus is mighty and powerful, while the verses are soft, yet the sadness permeates the entire song. "Do you ever think of me?" he asks, without an answer. This is a gut-wrenching song that will get you in the end. "Take your Shot" is a faster and heavier song, done with much haste. Some symphonic elements brew in the background but it's all about the melody here. The vocal harmonies here are the real star of the song.

"Between These Shadows" opens with a three-note bell and guitar pattern and Dean's voice is absolutely gorgeous here. It has that perfect combination of sadness and beauty. The chorus will really hit you hard. The first guitar solo follows the melody line so well. Waves of euphoria follow as Dean stretches out into the upper ranges. A second guitar solo follows, and then it's back to the heavy emotions in the chorus. Dean hits a note so high that it sends chills down your spine. It closes with the three-note bell and guitar pattern. I am speechless. It's without a doubt the most beautiful song I have heard to date this year.

Though only containing four songs, the album as a whole tells a sad story with eloquent and dramatic passion. The lyrics are reflected so well in the music, that you feel swept away into another world that you might not ever come back from, and you come to the realization that you don't even care. "Between These Shadows" closes the journey, culminating the tale with a burning vehemence that might not ever be distinguished. Though TERAMAZE really needs no introduction, they have set the bar so high for 2021 that no one else might reach it.