At long last, the eagerly anticipated album from moscow's melodic power metal band ARDA has seen the light of day. So what does "The Sea of Vanishing Times" have in store?
This is an album full of dynamics, drive, and a furious level of adrenaline. It all begins with the magnificent composition "Beyond the Edge" and, in my opinion, the most brilliant track "Through the Storm," reaches its apex with the cosmetically refined "Snow Melts" (arguably one of the best songs from the single), then lets up slightly but still holds firm all the way to the end.
There's no shortage of lyricism either. "Without an Answer" may not quite match "There Is No One" from the debut album, but it is devilishly fine in its own right and in places even surpasses its rival. Those who splurged on the digibook version will additionally receive a live video of "The Exorcist" and a chance to indulge in nostalgia (or spot themselves in the crowd).
On top of everything mentioned, Pasha Okunev's already wonderful vocals have gotten even better.
The fly in the ointment at this celebration of life and metal is the booklet. An enormous number of blunders, typos, and errors in the lyrics. But surely that's not so important — or at least forgivable for a band that was in a hurry to delight its fans? Especially since the disc's artwork itself is beyond all praise.
In the end, after a somewhat underwhelming single, the guys managed to reach the bar previously set by "Wanderings," if not raise it even higher. If things continue like this, ARDA's next album will slay their fans, who will be choking with delight.