review by: Roberto Martinelli

It seemed improbable, but Lost Horizon has managed to outdo the genius that was Awakening the World, their first record (which, by the way, was my record of the year in 2001. See the review here).

Lost Horizon continues to excel in being the ideal of what heavy metal should be while at the same time not being a copycat. No, the spirit of Lost Horizon is as honest and stirring to the connoisseur as it is goofy and ridiculous to the uninitiated. The band continues to maintain the Braveheart in space look, and still thanks their favorite video games and movies in the liner notes. The members still use the most preposterously wonderful stage names, and have now added two more to the fold. One of them is named Perspicacious Protector (the full-time keyboardist). There’s something inexplicably brilliant about that.

But to those that this band has touched, what is cheesy and silly is really nothing short of glorious. As on Awakening the World, the sound of Lost Horizon, from the mega-talented vocals of Ethereal Magnanimus (Daniel Heiman, who is singing much higher on this record) to the synth tones, is perfect. Once again, the mere ride cymbal sound of Preternatural Transmogrifier (Daniel Nyquist, whom we interviewed in issue #4) alone is worth getting this album. This energy is as always reflected in the empowering lyrics, which are about being strong and proud and metal. Again, ideal.

Musically, what was already masterful has been made even better by more complex and interesting arrangements and solos, and an even ampler supply of sublime vocal melodies and transitions in each song.

This time around, Lost Horizon has gone softer. No, not in a stupid metal ballad way. Rest assured, there is no shortage of energy and intense drums, fills, and guitar and synth acrobatics. Trust me, even if you don’t like power metal, this band is something that transcends the genre. If you do like power metal, you’re a total fool not to get this before anything else. Lost Horizon is so purely metal you’re going to feel sick if you hear it. A lock for my pick of the issue, which is obvious, as A Flame to the Ground Beneath is the best power metal record EVER. You read it here. (10/10 and beyond)