Eleven originals and a cover of ‘Scarborough Fair’ (trying to break into the Blackmore’s Night crowd? utilizing Uilleann pipes and tin whistle), the Norge-Germanic alliance that is frontwoman Liv Kristine and husband (Atrocity singer) Alex Krull offers a symphonic/operatic mix, accented by Krull’s death metal intonations.

While following the original Nightwish formula (operatic female singer, male counterpoint/backing, orchestral strings and synthesizers, voiceovers plus the newest wrinkle, the aforementioned woodwinds), the two bands remain miles apart, due in large part to the danceable goth overtones and preponderance of classical tinged ballads inherent within this, their third full-length. The band is best on speedy numbers, ala ‘Emerald Island’ and the opening title track. That said, the acoustic ‘Irish Rain’ really suits her voice, but overall, too much flowery material to stir this metal heart.