Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Dark Moor - The Gates of Oblivion (2002)
If anyone has tried to convince me a few years ago to give some power metal albums like this another shot, I probably would've said "I'll think about it" and left that request in the dust. But now that I'm back in The Guardians, with the playlists making me feel more confident about the clan than during my break from it, it's time for another spin.
Dark Moor's 3rd album The Gates of Oblivion is still one of the best albums of power metal that isn't DragonForce or Kamelot. Ever since my first time listening to it over a decade away, I've been mind-blown by all those riffs, melodies, choruses, and solos, all sounding so catchy and technical. And with those fantasy lyrics, it's the kind of cheese that I can have in my system. From start to finish, it's an incredible journey to love and appreciate!
Beginning the album is a true kick-A example of power metal, "In the Heart of Stone". Lots of speedy riffing, plus great vocal melody from Elisa C. Martin. She can go from tough to serene and back again in the blink of an eye. The verses sound epic, as does the chorus with its fantastic leads. "A New World" doesn't lose any power from the previous track. It opens with incredible riffing followed by mystical keys that leads to more of the furious verses. The mood stays strong as Martin belts out her highs in the chorus. The soloing by founding guitarist Enrik Garcia is one of the best here. It's an unforgettable journey to remember, just like Christopher Columbus' discovery of America that's detailed in the lyrics. The band's neoclassical influence shines in the title interlude, a f***ing beautiful keyboard instrumental. "Nevermore" is based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe. "Starsmaker (Elbereth)" is a heavier gem, though it starts with a lovely acoustic intro and maintains the melodic beauty for another adventure. It's like a mighty battle between vocals, guitars, and keys. Then we have another epic memorable chorus. You can consider the whole song a story of sorts!
"Mist in the Twilight" is another keyboard interlude. It leads to another one of my favorite tracks here, "By the Strange Paths of Destiny". Incredible guitars and keys here! The riffing power is in perfect balance with the keyboard magic. The soloing is filled with versatile energy. And we have beautiful vocal power from Martin in the chorus which has a glimpse of upfliting light in the midst of the dark sorrow. A true hard-hitter! Next, "The Night of the Age" has more atmosphere for Martin to shine in the spotlight. The solos and riffs are quite excellent and don't mess with the brilliance of Martin's vocals. Everything's well-paced! Well, her vocals are a little restrained in the verses but it's made up for by her impressive highs in the chorus. Wonderful speed before the next track that is a ballad... "Your Symphony" is a beautiful ballad. Nothing sappy. Just keys, acoustics, and singing, all that stir up the vibe of a forest fairy's tale. It's a ballad that's meant to be in the album, unlike those other ballads that disrupt the flow of the albums they're in.
The last leg of this album starts with "The Citadel of the Light", one more interlude that sounds like something from the Old School RuneScape soundtrack. It segues to "A Truth for Me" with some of the most anthemic verses of the album. Then at last, we reach the epic climax of this offering, "Dies Irae (Amadeus)", paying tribute to Mozart's works. The most incredible guitar technicality by Garcia is one of the many things that make this Dark Moor's most fascinating epic. As incredible as this is, I feel like there could've been slight trimming to tone down some of the repetition. Still I wouldn't change a thing, and it's all worth it in the end. One tiny miniscule flaw won't weigh anything down. The Russian edition comes with the bonus track "The Shadow of the Nile" which is great but could've been put before the epic instead of after.
All in all, The Gates of Oblivion is Dark Moor's finest hour of power metal reflection. Sadly, they would never replicate the magic, with all members except Garcia leaving the band the following year before the recording their self-titled 4th album, though bassist Anan Kaddouri would stick around for that then leave too. Martin would move on to other bands such as Dreamaker and Fairyland. Her replacement, Alfred Romero is great at singing as well, but just not as magnificent as Martin. The Gates of Oblivion is one of the most essential albums of power metal. If you're a power metal fan who hasn't heard this album, you should. See you at the gates!
Favorites: "In the Heart of Stone", "A New World", "Starsmaker (Elbereth)", "By the Strange Paths of Destiny", "The Night of the Age", "Dies Irae (Amadeus)"