1967/ 1976
For who love Speed Power Metal with keyboards (but this last situation isn't important) "Twilight" is a great release, great also for all metal discographies! This is an Ep besed to 2nd part of Shadows of Steel concept on CD 1 and (Shadows of Steel words): "A tribute to some bands that inspired us on through these years" on CD 2.
CD 1 is the prosecution of "Shadows of Steel" album and the atmospheses are the same. Only the songs are more Rock and aggressive. "Hawk and Lion" is a pure extra melodic aggressive Speed Metal with neoclassic refrain. As the same in Shadows of Steel songs great soli. "Twilight" is an operatic Speed Power Metal, melodic but aggressive with a great Punk style writing (a la Motorhead) but romantic arrangement and classic neoclassic guitar solo. In definitive "Twilight" is a pure Rock song with high speed rhythm. "Goodbye" present a great power romantic intro and POP strophes. A baroque chorus transform this song in a great Prog Rock song with Prog Metal feeling. "Fly Away" is here presented in a new (and more Proggy) line of arramgements but the song remain a typical 80's melodic Speed Metal in Power Metal field (because of keyboards). Great keyboards solo with rhythmic guitar solo simultaneously and next part that simulates the cosmic anything that precedes a beautiful second series of soli (also rhythmic) by guitar, leyboards and voiceand a great Speed reprise of chorus. Final with great dramatics keyboards/ guitar soli and romantic piano.
CD 2 present a series of cover. First cover is "Destination Unknown" by Savage Grace, a great 80's Speed/ Power Metal band. This song is so natural in this interpretation that seems recorded live! Great Frank Andiver but also Vic Mazzoni isn't human. And the guitar solo is super hot!!! Extremely Jazzy is the short bass solo by Andrea "Tower" Torricini that I met at a Vision Divine concert. "Prelusion" is long romantic intro for piano, beautiful but nothing more. "Run For Tomorrow" (as "Prelusion" cover of Exxplorer) is an interesting Traditional/ Proto Power Speed Metal song with an immense Wild Steel interpretation. "Painted Skies" is a cover of Crimson Glory. This song is in Tech Metal territory and it is the more famous Crimson Glory song. This song is perfect for Wild Steel voice and so I love this version (as the original)! "the Calling/ Agents Of Steel" is a double track by Agent Steel that is a beautiful song for Wild Steel voice. The style is true no compromise Speed Metal.
So, in definitive, "Twilight" isn't a true Ep. For me "Twilight" is an album. Also because formed by 2 CD. Here's another release from hold at all costs. I haven't other words!