Book of Reflections is a new project of Lion Music artists. There are many 'quite well-known' artists such as Hubi Meisel, Rusty Cooley and Vitalij Kuprij contributing to this project. Their style is Progressive Metal, although this album isn't that progressive. Songs are melodical, progressive (to some extent) and occasionally very apposite. I'd say this album is neo-classical prog metal (at least the solos seem to be inspired by Yngwie Malmsteen).

Song material on this album is quite diverse, songs don't start to repeat themselves. For example, 'You're Not Alone' has vocals that remind me of Virgin Steele's David DeFeis. Then there are songs that are average metal, and there's also some ballads. For example, 'Let it Go' is a ballad and it's actually one of the highlights on this album. None of the songs on this album is bad, there are just some songs that are mediocre. Those mediocre songs lower the musical rating of this album.

Production on this album is quite good. The mix is good, but unfortunately in mastering they have used sometimes too high levels — the result is distortion at some parts. Fortunately this happens seldom, so it doesn't annoy too much. To be exact, distortion occurs only in some of the vocal parts and guitar solos.

All in all, this album is good, still it could be better (although it's entertaining as such). While some of the songs are very good, there are also some songs that are 'fill'. I'd recommend this album to the fans of neo-classical metal, Stratovarius and Symphony X fans may like it as well. So if you're a fan of neo-classical prog metal, this album is worth considering.


- MAGE (07.07.2004)

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LINE-UP:
Engberg, Andy: Lead and Backing Vocals Holm, Micke: Lead Vocals Meisel, Hubi: Lead Vocals Stjärnfelt, Torgny: Backing Vocals, Additional Lead Vocals on 'You're Not Alone' Mattson, Mikaela: Backing Vocals on 'Let it Go' Mattson, Lars Eric: Guitar, Bass and Keyboards Cooley, Rusty: Guitar Kuprij, Vitalij: Keyboard Solos Sledgehammer, Eddie: Drums
Producer:	Unavailable
Mixing by:	Unavailable
Mastering by:	Unavailable

	TRACKLIST:
	01. Phoenix 02. Guardian of Time 03. Going Through the Motions 04. Tearing Down 05. Slippin' Away 06. Only One Truth 07. Child of the Rainbow 08. You're Not Alone 09. Book of Reflections 10. Let it Go 11. Blood from a Stone (European Bonus Track)