Label: Metropolis Records

Release Date: May 12, 2015

Rating: 8/10

Reviewed by: Todd "Toddstar" Jolicoeur

Are you looking for something totally different?  How about modern electronica as a backdrop for Medieval themes and languages, as well as lyrics and stories from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries?  If this sounds good, you need to jump into the latest disc from QNTAL.  The musical pieces underneath the lyrics are consistent and drive the disc from open to close.  Lyrically, one of the highlights is the conversion of The Tyger from William Blake into simply "Tyger."  The song takes on an almost 1980's techno-pop feel, if Medieval instruments had been used thirty years ago.  If you are a metal fan, think Nightwish without the heavy guitars and rhythm section.  Lord Byron, the famous British poet, receives his due on this collection as well, when his So We'll Go No More a Roving is converted to an ethereal track entitled "By The Light Of The Moon."  A trifecta of earthy English language tracks is completed when "Blow Northerne Wynd," a musical interpretation of a 14th century Middle English poem of the same name comes cascading through the speakers.  If you don't mind listening to lyrics sung in different languages and dialects, this disc might be for you.  There is a tip of the hat to Mendelsson with the energetic track "Frühlingslied" and a cool interpretation of the late 12th Century "Melos Lacrimosum."  There are even a couple cool remixes of "Schnee" at the end of the disc that put a fresh spin on the original version.  This collection isn't for everyone, but if you like your music diverse and dripping with Medieval influence, this just might be the disc for you.

Tracklist: Flaming Drake - Tenacious Love - Tyger - By The Light Of The Moon - Blow Northerne Wynd - Swebend -  Frühlingslied - Schnee - In Dem Begyn - Rossignolet - Flame Amoureuse - Musa Venit - Melos Lacrimosum - Nox Aeterna

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