Actually, I'm almost happy ...

Actually, I'm almost happy with the double whammy "The Wicked Symphony / Angel Of Babylon": Tobi Sammet has again hired an illustrious singers flock from which again next Sammet takes Jorn Lande (what a voice!) Even the lion's share of song. But there are also other big names such as Klaus Meine, Michael Kiske, Jon Oliva, ... on the song list.

These compositions know most convincing: 'The Wicked Symphony' is as an opener equal a cool, complex hymn, in which big names to pass the mike; also sung by Michael Kiske 'Wastelands' convinced and SCORPIONS frontman Klaus Meine refined 'Dying For An Angel', which has pleased me but really only after several passes. In "Angel Of Babylon" again like the 10-minute 'Stargazers', the song is about Drüber but 'Death Is Just A Feeling', which argues Jon Oliva with raspy voice. And in 'Promised Land' can Jorn Lande right out the sow.

Then why am I only almost happy? On the one hand I do not like the smooth ironed production so much in all the edges were chipped. Above all, the ever-present instant choirs are a nuisance: Michael Kiske for example, is so clogged up in the chorus with choir singing that one hardly hears him - while he may loose alone bear with his exceptional voice a chorus. And secondly, some numbers are still advised arg kitschy, here reminds me spontaneously the final song 'Journey To Arcadia' or the gray-celled 'Alone I Remember' a.

But otherwise an accomplishment; I think not, unlike other reviewers that could cut together the two plates on a single, too much excellent material is available. Oh, cover, packaging and booklet are designed beileigendes very high quality and attractive.
For the highest score is not enough tight, but good 4 points is the drive worth it.