During the past few months I’ve received enormous amounts of pretty average metal CDs. Sure, there have been some ups and some downs. However, once in awhile you receive an album that manages to rise so far above the rest that it just blows you away. Well, I can safely say that Mägo De Oz’ new effort Gaia is such an album. A year or so ago I received Fölktergeist by pure accident. It was my first experience with the Spanish Mägo De Oz and right from that day on I was sold. Since Fölktergeist was a live recording and not really a studio album I was looking forward to this new release with high anticipation to say the least. And boy did it blow me away.

The eight headed Mägo (I beg to apologize for shortening the name) start this album with an intro. I’m certain I’m not alone when I say that 90% of the intros that revolve around a simple keyboard melody are better left off the whole album, but what Mägo do with “Obertura MDXX” is simply phenomenal; a wonderful piece of classical music that sets the atmosphere for the rest of the album.

Things only get better from here though. The second track “Gaia” shows Mägo at their best: great folk/classic metal with wonderful keyboard, flute and violin melodies.

Add to that the vocals of José and you have the recipe for the best album of 2003. This man sings like his life depends on it. He pours life into the songs unlike anyone else I’ve ever heard. I already praised him during my review of the Spanish power metal act Ankhara and now I’ll do it again. José is simply phenomenal and while he might struggle a little with the higher notes it never gets to the point where it might start to annoy.

There’s not one bad track on Gaia and that’s an accomplishment considering the fact that this album is well over 70 minutes long! If you like folk metal then Gaia is an absolute must buy. It is as simple as that. On the other hand if you like diverse power metal then you might try your this album as well. There’s enough classic metal in it to attract even fans of bands like Iron Maiden. And although the whole album is sung in Spanish, something many people might not like, I on the other hand think it adds a certain charm to the music. One thing is certain: for me the best album of 2003 is already known, because I’m fairly certain that no other band is going to beat this.