Super glad I downloaded this one. I can absolutely see why into the sun got a bunch of different takes on the vinyl edition, best song on the album by far.

Solid tracks through and through. Very listenable.

8/10

I feel a real sense of resonance with this bands whole existance. A UK-based power metal band, lyrically focusing on internal struggle with a fantasy twist sounds like a band made up just to satisfy me.

The sense of power+melancholy that oozes through their discography is addictive. Love it.

9/10

The lightest metal album I've ever listened to, and I reckon it works.
They really lean into the heartstring-tugging over anything else, with plenty of cathartic melodies to go around. "Eternalize the dream" will remain a solid favourite of mine.

9/10

This band Is super underrated, and I cannot wait for their next release.
They've got a really distinctive sound that comes through in both of their albums so far, this one being my favourite of the 2.
They really make the song their own in their cover of Eagleheart aswell (might be better?)

8/10

I've never had my first listen to an album feel so... familiar?

I decided to download this one to honour my required reading as a power metal fan. I'm glad I did. A definite sense of catharsis in recognising sounds and techniques that have evolved over the years. One's even 13 minutes long!

6/10

Based and Hopeful

This album is really well paced through and through. There's a tangible sense of passion and creative vision that oozes through the lyrics and the songwriting here.
The song "Starbound stories" itself is very cheesey, but oh so very cathartic. Wouldn't have it any other way.
9/10

They put jazz in my power metal and I love it.

The emotions in this one are palpable, "Crying for You" and "I believe" really tug at the heartstrings
The sound is also super distinctive. "Lost in the darkness" has one of the funkiest solos I've ever heard as a result.

Stellar stuff
10/10

A Conspiracy Theory-themed concept album released on sept 10th 2001. Damn. This thing is like a time capsule.

Some real sick riffs which make you appreciate just how far the genre has come over the last couple decades.
"Heaven or Hell"'s Lyrics sound prophetic listening to them in 2025.
7/10

This one isn't my usual sound, but the emotional weight of some of these tracks really pushes through those boundaries.

Love's souvenir & Emerald necklace are the standouts for me here. Though the other tracks are sadly mostly skips.

4/10 from me, but I know this is someone's 10/10.

When I first listented to this album, I spent about 5 minutes fiddling with my headphones thinking they weren't plugged in propperly.
Turns out the 2005 album sounds like it's from 2005, and that sound has definitely grown on me.
The tracks are also plenty catchy. Charles manson is also there.
7/10

Skeletoon is definitely a band that takes the "I am cringe but I am free" mentality towards their music. One of the track is literally titled "The nerdmetal superheroes".
But within all of that is a sense of emotional honesty. The final track being a cover/tribute to andre matos. Quite moving.

7/10

Amazing concept album with a sound that really speaks to me.

I'm still analysing and pondering the significance of these songs 2 years after this albums release.
The perspective character being insane and thus potentially an unreliable narrator really adds to that.

Intellectual headbanging..
10/10

Best Dragonforce Album imho

Midnight Madness, Curse of darkness, and final stand are standout tracks. But the other tracks are still really solid.

The more experimental tracks in the form of Judgement Day and WAR really pay off, both for the songs individually and how they pace the album.

9/10

Going to start a power metal album review threat because I feel like it

This album rocks. The intro track (Ascension) gives me goosebumbs every time I listen to it.

Also Gales of Winter is literally my favourite song ever so I might be a little biased. But screw it it's my thread.

10/10

A worthy sequel