To 'Swan Songs':
Every single title itself is great! Chris' voice is as always awesome and the arrangements within the titles are also consistent. And yet the final touch I lack in the overall composition. I knew that on this work quieter sounds are played and also really like me. After the first hearing, even the faintest unsatisfied feeling has remained with me back but I could not understand so well into words.
Now that I have again reingehört in 'S & M' by Metallica and 'Black Symphony' by Within Temptation, I feel 'Swan Songs' as less powerful. The melodies rippling as zoom to get in front of him without attending Chris's powerful voice.
To 'Swan Symphonies'
Here, the music does not have to 'fight' against singing and only really unfolds its full depth. The feeling of the tightened handbrake disappear completely in some places and you just immerse yourself in the music.
Conclusion
A really good album, picking the 1st CD is well done, the new title on the 2nd CD really fun. The instrumental CD is worth listening to. Unfortunately, I lack one or the other highlight, the would have let me make air jumps.
My two favorites: 'Sober' and 'The Sands of Time'