Neverworlds End - Fantasy Adventure Book Series for Teens & Adults | Perfect for Gifts, Book Clubs & Reading Enthusiasts

There really isn't much I can say that other reviewers haven't covered. The sound is different (occasionally reminiscent of old Xandria, but over all very different) and the singer does sound strikingly like Tarja for some songs, but I personally thought she sounded a lot different than Tarja on other ones.What I can say that other people haven't is a song by song review, since no one else has.1: A prophecy of Worlds To Fall: The opening first few minutes of this one is very epic with choir sounds and then bombastic as guitars are added in, but then it slows down to a more moderate pace for the rest of the song. It's a great opening to the album. I give this one a 5/5 stars.2: Valentine: A fast paced song throughout, with a consistent melody, and in my opinion Manuela sounds like Tarja the most on this song. Not much made it stand out, however, and it strikes me as the most "radio friendly" song. 4/5 stars3: Forevermore: A slower song than others but moderately paced in the chorus. I felt there was more influence of old Xandria in this one - it felt similar to some of the slower songs that have done on previous albums. 4/54: Euphora: A creepy, haunted sound at the beginning of this song that is then broken by louder guitar sound and Manuela repeats two words a few times and then the lyrics come in into a faster paced song, with occasional breaks in the melody with emphasis on two words and whispering by the male vocalist. This song highlights how this isn't just generic symphonic metal, there is variety within the songs themselves as well as each song sounding different from the next. 4/55: Blood on my Hands: Moderately paced song with a fast paced chorus. This tune got stuck in my head almost immediately, I find this one very catchy. At about 3:00 is a highlight of the song for me, its a "magical" sort of sound. 5/56: Soulcrusher: A heavier song, possibly the heaviest on the album. It's pretty fast paced and there is a good usage of choir sounds. Around 4:50 there are spoken words in male vocals (I don't know what the name of the male vocalist is) and from there I can make out any words, sounds mostly like Manuela humming to me. It's a good song, but not my favorite as it felt sort of bland to me. 3/57: The Dream is Still Alive: Violin starts off this slower song, but it's absolutely beautiful and yet another one that reminds me of old Xandria. Manuela's voice soars in this song. There's a guitar solo at 2:47 - 3:10 before Manuela's voice comes in with a haunting, wordless melody and then the song continues with the chorus again. 5/58: The Lost Elysion: This one is fast paced, with plenty of guitar, drums and powerful sining from Manuela. Around 2:59 there's an interesting break down of the song into a guitar solo and the sound is pretty unique, after which Manuela recites some spoken words. 4/59: Call of the Wind: Violins start off this song and it begins sounding with a very folk/celtic sort of sound. This is also a fast paced song. At about 2:15 there's choir and a very epic sound before it turns again to a folk/celtic sound with violin that I really enjoy, which continues until 3:16 where turns to guitars and then after that Manuela begins singing again. 5/510: A Thousand Letters: Another song that sounds very celtic to me. It's a song that starts slow then moves to a slightly faster pace, before it slows down again. This song showcases Manuela's beautiful voice perfectly. 5/511: Cursed: More violin starts this song, before it turns to guitar. This one is heavier than Call of the Wind, with whispered and sort of growled words starting it out. A very catchy song. 5/512: The Nomad's Crown: The way this song starts out makes me think of the desert and oriental lands, which I imagine is the point, before it turns to a more symphonic metal sound. There is a very catchy, wordless "Oooaaah" singing melody in this one that I particularly like. Fast to moderate paced song, it does vary. 4/513: When the Mirror Cracks (Bonus): A moderately fast paced song throughout, somewhat heavier than the rest of the songs. There is again some whispering of words on this song, giving it a sinister sound and good usage of guitars. 4/514: The Sailor and the Sea (Bonus): A sea shanty, folks-y sound combined with a violin sound that I find very catchy. Quite possibly my favorite song on the entire album. A moderately paced song. 5/5This is an over all outstanding album and it far exceeded my expectations.