In researching this album, I learnt that this is the 6th album release from Gothenburg-based Nostradameus, and they have in the past toured with Edguy. Power Metal is in evidence here but it’s not exclusively so.
I have mixed feelings about “Illusions Parade”, which undoubtedly has its good points. I’ve listened to it carefully to identify these good points and … how revolutionary is this … have just listened to it from beginning to end for enjoyment. The problem with just letting it sink in is that after a while I’ve found myself drifting off and missed half the tracks. Much of this album is in a technical Progressive style similar to Suspyre. The rhythm is intense and driving with the band of heaviness and melody that you would expect from a Swedish band. Mix in a strong Power Metal flavour and it all adds up to many good moments, but ironically what it lacks at the same time is power. The sound mix isn’t strong but I think also it’s the tendency to progressiveness which makes it unwieldy. At times it seems to get stifled in its own cleverness with the lyrics jammed in.
The album starts in sinister and edgy fashion with “Walk of Pain”. I wasn’t so keen on the cheesy chorus but the riff captures the senses. The electro section at the end could have been developed. I preferred “Art of Deception”, which was solid, hard-edged Power Metal. There is drama, there is energy, and to complement the Power Metal and mostly clean songs there are some nice breaks, good technical sections and on “Armageddon Forever” guitar chaos and a disharmonic riff. “Armageddon Forever” has the air of Skid Row playing technical Hardcore. So the album is by no means uniform but overall it lacks continuity, and whilst it’s not entirely pedestrian or dreary, it doesn’t reach the heights. Disappointing.
http://www.myspace.com/nostradameusofficial
http://www.nostradameus.com
http://www.afm-records.de
