Zal

The classic style of Stoa flourishes beautifully on this new album. Masterful string arrangements abound and are accompanied by some scorchingly astounding vocals by Antje Buchheiser. Add to this some sombre oboe work and crystalline cello playing and you have an album which will reduce you to a torrent of emotional jelly. 

　　There is one thing and one thing only which angers me about this album, of the eleven tracks, only eight are new. The other three have been issued on compilations over the past eight years. It is for that reason they only get a seven. 

　　This disc is a fine return to form for Stoa and I really hope they don't take so bloody long with the next one.