A Flame to the Ground Beneath

Once again Lost Horizon has graced us with a full length album, and once again it is a standout release, though there have been some changes. The no compromising, we are who we are, individualist philosophy that dominated their debut is still in full effect. However, the songs in this collection function less as generalized anthems of individualism and more as parabolic stories that carry the same message.

One musical change that is obvious is the longer time length of the songs, mostly due to a more progressive approach to song structure, in addition to a longer winded lyrical approach to the concept of personal freedom and self-empowerment. "Cry of a Restless Soul" and "Lost in the Depths of Me" are both 8 minute plus epics with a load of changes. And the 11 minute plus super-epic "Highlander (The One)" is a sort of opera aria format combined with a renaissance brand of theme and variation or chaccone format, consisting of a grouping of repeated sections that are highly different from each other. Although power metal acts dabble in some rather complex musical formats, this kind of hybrid metal/renaissance format is something that is right out of the Prog. genre.

We do have one track that is shorter and possesses a more straight-forward song structure, and that is "Again Will the Fire Burn". This song is lyrically the most similar to the debut album, presenting a more generalized theme of a person's struggle and ultimate victory against the cult of conformity. It consists of a very heart-felt and passionate vocal delivery by Dan Heiman, and some fine lead work by Wojtek Lisicki.

The instrumental work here is alot more atmospheric and nebulous than that of the previous release. "Transdimensional Revelation" has a highly cosmic feel to it, and fits in perfectly with the album cover art. "Deliverance" is a serene and dreamy sequence that has a quasi-Pink Flyod quality to it, and leaves the listener with a strong sense of fulfillment at the end of a very spiritual journey. However, "Song of the Earth" is the instrumental highlight of this album, functioning as the perfect intro to the second most powerful track on here "Cry of a Restless Soul", and also melodically strong enough to stand on it's own as a 1 minute and 20 second overture.

More moderate lengthed tracks "Think Not Forever" and "Pure" are also noteworthy as they provide a more mid-ranged amount of changes, yet still enough to contrast it from the bulk of the debut. The former has some rather dramatic tempo and thematic changes, in addition to some highly thought provoking lyrics. The latter is an up tempo rocker with a highly memorable main guitar riff, combined with more riveting vocals by the Etherial Mangnanimus.

On a personal note, it was a bit sad to hear that Dan Heiman, in addition to guitarist Fredrik Olsson left the band. However, despite what many will say to the contrary, Heiman is replaceable. Unlike other bands whom lose their vocalists, this task will probably prove the most difficult as Heiman has a highly unique and powerful voice, but even the most virtuoso instrumentalist or singer can inspire others to do it better. If there is a person who is not replaceable in this fold, it is the mind that concieved the ideas that created this amazing band, and that mind belongs not to Heiman but to Wojtek Lisicki.

One of the things to understand about the road of individuality is that there are no guarantees no matter where you go, because you do the things you want to do on your own terms. No two human beings are identical, not even twins born with the exact same genetic code, because the metaphysical universe that we live in does not repeat itself exactly. Heiman chose his musical path, and the others who stayed chose there's. If you don't like the resulting change, no one is forcing you to buy their next release. You are not the artists, you are the spectators, and it is not you whom dictates what the artist creates, only he does that.

In conclusion, this is yet another amazing and thought provoking album by a highly inspired bunch of musicians. While this is the last chapter of the Heiman era of Lost Horizon, I suspect we have not heard the last of these guys. This album is recommended to traditional and power metal fans alike. Hold you heads up high and "Again Will the Fire Burn".