The mix of male and female vocals is a classic. After the opening metal salvo of "Third Immortal", "Guardian" starts languidly, in a similar manner to The Shroud (what ever happened to them?) Of course it soon explodes, but does so in a relatively restrained manner. Kaisa's angelic vocals reach into my soul. Tomi's growly style is less to my taste, but adds shade to complement the light. This song shifts through several moods, without ever sounding disjointed.

"The Great Gathering" starts with a mighty roar. Tomi belches forth, as if suddenly released from the underworld. Luckily Kaisa soon turns up to bring some decorum to proceedings. The press release likens Tomi's performance to 'Uruk-hai screams' and describes Kaisa's contribution as 'elvish vocals'. You can interpret their sounds this way, but if you don't like 'epic fantasy' novels you can overlook this description. Elsewhere the keyboards add wonderful depth to this song.

"Voice Of The Fallen" is fast. If it were the sound of a train you were on you'd be asking to get off at the next station. Thankfully Battlelore don't let the engine run off the tracks. Keyboards float above the maelstrom and short piano trills excite. Elsewhere "Exile The Daystar" is surging and insistent, with quiet passages of much beauty; particularly when Kaisa sings: 'I shall rise!' "Daughter Of The Sun" starts with the softer side of the band. I expect the New Age stylings will soon be replaced by metal mayhem, which of course they are. It would have been interesting to hear a Battlelore song with the emphasis on 'lore' rather than 'battle'. Kaisa hisses her vocals, which is frightening and effective. Is there a "Green Dragon" pub in The Lord Of The Rings? I don't remember it, nevertheless the song of the same name is filled with the sound of revelry. If one had a steady hand much quaffing could be done to this song.

It's unlikely you'll be listening to "Awakening" while sitting on a train, with a smattering of snow outside and the promise of more in the grey skies above. If you do find yourself in these circumstances then you'll probably agree that the melancholy and majesty of this song suits the scene perfectly. This track features some particularly fine filigreed guitar. "Epic Dreams" sees the male and female vocals meet in the middle, which is interesting. "Moon Tower" is one of the heavier Battlelore songs. After one minute and 46 seconds there's an unexpectedly beautiful instrumental passage all chiming guitar and gentle percussion. I'm rather fond of these passages, which have a Fields of the Nephilim feel. I could live without the shouty bits.

"The Star Of High Hopes" starts with some dreamy guitar. It brings the album to a close in a suitably epic manner, at times recalling Lacuna Coil.