Pelata With thier 3rd release for Austria’s Napalm label, French Symphonic Metallers Fairyland have delivered an absolutely fantastic album. Score To A New Beginning is loaded down with soaring, melodic vocals, epic keyboard/string layers, huge choirs, speedy drumming and ripping, virtuouso guitars.

Led by keyboardist and sole composer Phillippe Giordana, Fairyland hold high the flame of Symphonic Metal in the grand traditions of Symphony X, Rhapsody (Of Fire), Adagio and others. With little nods to Prog Metal and Neo-Classical Metal as well, this album really comes through on everything one would expect from the genre itself. Surprisingly however, I find a lack of triteness. Let’s be honest, Metal of this type, as masterful as it is to execute, does tend to drift into the cheesy side of things. Yet, with Fairyland, I find a more honest, sincere vibe about it. “Across The Endless Sea (Part II)” and “Assault On The Shore” are a grand one-two punch to kick off the album (after the obligatory opening symphony theme). These two are packed to the rafters with all of what makes the genre great. The vocals in “Master Of The Waves” are great…full of fire and passion.

There is really no need to go into the details of every song. Anyone reading this can envision how this sounds…just imagine it without the “frillyness”. Melodic Power Metal with loads of symphonic layering and a good deal of intensity. This album surprised me in a good way and I’m glad I’ve now had the privilege. If you’re into the genre, or just a fan of well executed Metal, check it out.