DARK MOOR – The Gates Of Oblivion

Now here’s a record I have spun very much lately. Dark Moor is from Spain, and is indeed the best Spanish band I have ever had the pleasure to know. Crucify me if you want, but I will however call this the Spanish Rhapsody, maybe because I am too lazy to give you a better description. I can’t think of one, really. Okay, Dark Moor has a female singer – there’s one difference (or is it?), and they don’t go as extremely into the classical works as Rhapsody (hey, there is another one.) Also, the music is happy in a Stratovarius way at times, and with the producer being a Labyrinth collaborator, let’s call it a mix of all these bands.

At the same time, Elisa’s vocals make the band stand out from the rest. There’s speed, there are melodies that make your eyes wet, and the production makes you think twice before you take the CD out of the player. I can only speak for myself, but I simply can’t get tired of this release. There are lots of stunning melodies on the record, choosing one or two in particular wouldn’t be fair to the rest. Like I have hinted, for fans of Rhapsody, Stratovarius and Labyrinth – and that means we haven’t heard all from Spain yet.