Plague-House Puppet Show / Twilightning (2004)

1. Plague-House Puppet Show

2. Into Treason

3. The Fiend

4. Victim Of Deceit

5. Painting The Blue Eyes

6. In The Fervor's Frontier

7. Fever Pitch

8. Diamonds Of Mankind

9. Riot Race

10. Lubricious Thoughts

11. Goddess Of Fortune

12. Wind-Up Toy

The first album was a great discovery for me. I was looking forward to their second album. They did not disappoint my expectation. The thing that I really liked about the last album was the arrangement of the song. It had a lot of rhythm change and modulation and sounded progressive but not complicated. The differences from the last album are that sound became more pop, and their influence from 80's music became more obvious. Some people took that change negatively. Nevertheless, I am really pleased with the sound. They were already an unique band in this genre, melodic power metal. I think they really established their style, and this album really represents the music they wanted to do.

Amazing thing about this band is the number of riffs that they came up with and dense quality of each of them. Keyboard brings good sound of 80's back to this album. Their composition also kept high quality this time. Especially, track 8 is astonishing. It has dramatic progression in the song. I think this song is condensed with their composition skill and musicianship. Too bad this band no longer exists. Even just for a short-term, I want them to reunite. 

☆☆☆☆

Delirium Veil / Twilightning (2003)

1. Gone To The Wall

2. At The Forge

3. Jester Realm

4. Delirium Veil

5. Return To Innocence

6. Under Somber Skies

7. Seventh Dawn

8. Enslaved To The Mind

9. Masked Ball Dalliance

10. The Escapist (Japanese Release Only)

11. Affection Seeker (Japanese Release Only)

There are many bands that I love. But, there have been only few bands that gave me “shock.” One of such bands was this, Twilightning. Unfortunately, this band broke up with three full-length albums and one EP. I am really hoping that these guys will come back in the scene together. When I listened to their music for the first time, I thought I had some electric shock or was struck by thunder.

This band is probably categorized as Power Metal. However, its music style is not just typical power metal. All songs have unique riffs, and its progression changes such unexpected ways. It is really hard to describe with words. Every song changes and progresses its form in very unique ways. Even though, it’s categorized as a power metal band, there are only two typical fast power metal songs. Most songs are either mid-tempo or high mid. Nevertheless, you never get bored because of their excellent song writing skill.

They were also very skilled musicians for new comers. The twin lead guitar in the intro of Track 2 gave me goose bumps. I still remember that well. This band definitely did not receive recognition and fame they deserved. I hope the market, audience, and metal fans will open larger space for future new comers with great skill and talent like this band.

☆☆☆☆☆