THE METAL OBSERVER

Reviewed by Math

Forgotten Tales – All The Sinners

You cannot always reinvent the wheel… but you can improve it. Like good comfort food, FORGOTTEN TALES’s new album “All The Sinners” is the fine friend you wish around for a good time, without questioning yourself about anything. FORGOTTEN TALES members don’t try to hide their influences, on disc and in interviews. While it is a good thing to pay tribute to your favourite bands, it can become dangerous when some parts of music just seem like cut and paste of such classics as RHAPSODY and STRATOVARIUS. Let just not fall though into an easy path, accusing FORGOTTEN TALES of using too much clichés in their music, as they are offering more than that to the Power Metal fans. “Three Wishes” is a perfect example, showing a heavier version of FORGOTTEN TALES, especially in the chorus line, with its hyper speed heavy guitar riff.

Another good thing with “All The Sinners” is that you’ll find yourself knowing and chanting by heart practically all of the choruses after only one listen. FORGOTTEN TALES music is that catchy, not in a bad way, and who would really cares? Who would want his Progressive Metal being an easy listen or his Black Metal Catholic? FORGOTTEN TALES delivers strong Symphonic Power Metal, for Symphonic Metal Fans… You’re not of the bunch? Leave the crowd please. Even though they tend to follow the same patterns in each songs they also mix together different parts, not offering only speed for the sake of speed, “My Soul” and “Wind Oh Wind” with their mid-paced approach being two perfect examples. A special mention also to Cédric Prévost, on drums, who delivers a stunning performance, not just playing the typical Power Metal drum lines, but adding a little Progressive dimension to the band.

The thick guitar sound, especially in the fast part is really enjoyable, and they did an interesting job on the bass sound. Sonia Pineault’s vocals are as strong as they were on “The Promise”, although some venturing into a higher range would have been great in some songs. Overall though sound wise, everything fits perfectly the style here. FORGOTTEN TALES survived the “second album” challenge easily, not only capitalizing on the debut album success. They refined their music and proved that they are now to be count as future milestone of the genre. You want only one advice for this album? Repeat button!

Note : 8/10