Following the “End of Eden”, Amberian Dawn released their fourth studio album “Circus Black” on February 29. I actually enjoyed listening to this album, along with the effort the group made, to move away from folk-inspired music to more power metal tunes with a lot of neoclassical, symphonic elements.

In this album there is more diversity in the melodies than ever before. As the title of the album, “Circus Black”, suggests, we can hear songs that are blended with night-circus, carnival elements creating a gothic and dark atmosphere, while other songs, like “Crimson Flower”, leave a much more fairytale-like feeling that is echoed in the lyrics. I was “awaken” by the song “Fight” with its fearless and non stopping tempo and I was amazed by the guitar which was playing like hell up and down the scale- That is some serious work there…

Taking a step forward the group used a real choir on several songs for the first time, giving a symphonic air along with Heidi Parviainen’s powerful and crystal clear voice, which I think makes the songs stand out much better than they should. I actually noticed that the songs were short in duration for a symphonic type of group and this doesn’t give the proper time and space to explore the melody and make something bigger. Although the songs give the promise of a more everlasting experience, which you anticipate while listening, this feeling is never satisfied. It only leaves you wanting for more.

This album has some big name guest musicians on it, too. Timo Kotipelto from Stratovarius adds his vocals to the first single of the album, “Cold Kiss” and Jens Johanssen, also from Stratovarius, does a keyboard duel with Seppälä on the song “Crimson Flower”.  Also, Tuomas Nieminen and Nils Nordling both guest on “I Share With You This Dream”.

All in all, this is not a must album to listen to. While there are some good elements to Amberian Dawn’s sound, they have not fully matured and are not placed in the right way. But I believe it deserves a listen, especially if you are already a fan. I do hope that this band will put aside this uncertainty and explore more their melodies so they can have the best of the result they deserve for.