Label: Limb Music
Genre: Power Metal
Line Up:
Cristiano Filippini – lead and rhythm guitars, keyboards, arrangements, orchestrations
Marco Pastorino – lead and backing vocals
Michele Vioni – lead and rhythm guitars, acoustic guitars
Giorgio Terenziani – bass guitar
Paolo Caridi – drums
Tracklist:
01. The Immortal Fire
02. On The Wings Of Phoenix
03. Midnight Riders
04. A Flame From The Sky
05. The Power Of Stars
06. When Love Burns
07. Don’t Leave Me Tonight
08. Darkside Of Gemini
09. Eclipse
10. The Archangel’s Warcry
11. Tears Of Love And Hate
12. Symphony Of The Universe
13. Constellations
After a five-year gap following the well-received ‘The Force Within’, Cristiano Filippini’s Flames Of Heaven finally returns with ‘Symphony of the Universe’. Throughout this release, you’ll discover infectious melodies—essential for any top-tier power metal record—alongside exceptional instrumental prowess. While musicians might insist that technical mastery is paramount, sheer skill means little if the compositions lack memorable hooks and singable refrains that get stuck in your head. Fortunately, Cristiano understands this balance, ensuring both instrumental excellence and irresistible songwriting work in tandem.
Their promotional materials describe these as “spectacularly crafted neoclassical anthems”—a claim that isn’t mere hype but absolute truth. Drawing inspiration from ‘Saint Seiya’ (alternatively titled ‘Knights of the Zodiac’), Masami Kurumada’s legendary Japanese manga, the album explores a narrative centered on youthful warriors called Saints. These heroes defend Athena’s earthly reincarnation against rival Olympian deities seeking planetary conquest. Armed with constellation-linked mystical armor known as Cloths, these warriors channel an otherworldly force called Cosmo.
The cover art brilliantly captures this Greco-mythological essence, depicting an armored figure mounted upon a winged steed against thematically appropriate scenery.
This record demands your full attention—it begs to be experienced deliberately. Pour over the visual design, digest the words, lose yourself completely in the narrative, craftsmanship, and musical execution. Everything comes together cohesively, with standout cuts like ‘On The Wings of Phoenix’ and ‘The Power of Stars’ exemplifying the vigor that runs through every track. ‘When Love Burns’ features sweeping keyboard passages and a rousing group vocal on its namesake refrain. Should you spot me strolling by with earbuds in, spontaneously fist-pumping skyward with an enormous grin—now you’ll know exactly what I’m listening to.
Ratings: 9/10
Reviewed by Adrian Hextall
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