THE WIZARDS OF WINTER - Wizards Of Winter
December 10, 2014, 10 years ago
(Wizards Of Winter)
New Jersey based band The Wizards Of Winter started out as a Trans-Siberian Orchestra tribute. Their new, self-titled album serves as the follow-up to 2011’s Tales Beneath A Northern Star. Wizards Of Winter is a selection of “proggy/melodic Christmas-inspired instrumental cuts, mixed with touching vocal pieces and power ballads.” The singers – both male and female – are almost operatic in their delivery, making the songs sound more Broadway than rock ‘n’ roll; this includes TSO alumni Guy LeMonnier. Musically, the sentiments of the season come across clear as fresh fallen snow. First single “March Of The Metal Soliders” is a re-imagining of “March Of The Toys”, with all proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Project. A noble cause indeed, but the Latin passages don’t go over that well. However, opening cut “Arctic Flyer” sets the stage beautifully; “Toys Will Be Toys” quickly becomes a December favourite, while “Journey” is robust and resounding. Two bonus tracks are included: “Ode To Eisenach” is a classical guitar solo; very pretty but it doesn’t pertain to the Yuletide subject matter. Conversely, “Christmas Lullaby” is helmed by former TSO vocalist Tommy Farese. More than an adequate soundtrack for opening presents, yet when compared to Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s untouchable Christmas Trilogy, Wizards Of Winter gets the silver medal.
