Released by: Self
Release Date: Out Now!!!
Genre: Symphonic Folk Metal
Links: https://worldsbeyondofficial.bandcamp.com/album/rhapsody-of-life
Line Up:
Vocals: Valerie De Kempe
Guitars: Tijmen Matthys
Violin: Jakob Declercq
Keys: Robbe Adriaens
Bass: Ewoud Dekoninck
Drums: Wout Debacker
Tracklist:
Familiar Skies
Unwind Our Story
Sleepless Dreams
Breaking Free
The Calling
Beyond Reality
The Spark
Enchantment
The Moment
One With The Stars
Rhapsody Of Life
The new release from World Beyond once again delivers an epic, symphonic-driven album with amazing arrangements, continuing from Symphony of Dawn which captured that childhood wonder and excitement where imagination took you on fantastic journeys – feelings we still chase today.
The wall of sound and immersive impact of symphonic music speaks to me when considering what makes a great album, while others might focus on technical musicianship or lyrical content.
This album provides everything that Tuomas, Sharon and Amy have delivered through Within Temptation, Nightwish and Evanescence – bands I greatly admire. Yet Worlds Beyond distinguishes itself by drawing inspiration from emotionally charged groups like My Chemical Romance and X-Japan. The complex arrangement of Sleepless Dreams incorporates Black Parade elements, while Breaking Free recalls Nightwish’s Wishmaster era to wonderful effect.
Normally found in the finest classical pieces, the orchestral work – particularly the strings on The Calling – adds a polished layer that could attract listeners who typically avoid ‘metal’ but would appreciate this music if they expanded their musical horizons.
Composer Tijmen Matthys, working in a similar vein to Tuomas Holopainen, crafts equally impressive material for this Belgian outfit formed in 2017. Vocalist Valerie De Kempe evokes a young Tarja Turunen, whose classical background has helped her crossover material gain worldwide fans.
Just beautiful – a measured, tempered album that ebbs and flows toward its final destination without excess.
Score 9/10
Reviewed by Adrian Hextall
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