After the pretty standard power metal keyboard intro Morifade opens their second full length release with the title track “Imaginarium”. The first thing I noticed was the sparkling clear production (Los Angered Studio`s, produced by Andy La Rocque, King Diamond, Death) in which all instruments are perfectly balanced. “Imagirium” actually is the first release I hear from this Swedish band that was formed by the brothers Johansson back in 1992. The melodic power metal sounds very tight and “Imaginarium” has all the ingredients for a perfect power metal release. The rolling bass drum rhythms, nice and sometimes folk sounding melodies, virtuoso guitar solos and a vocalist that provides the songs with catchy choruses (“Dark Images”) and choirs. Their music mainly reminded me of a combination between Edguy, Avantasia (vocals) and a little Children of Bodom (but less complicated).

Although the total sounds all right I also have some critical notes. I guess Morifade could have made their music more interesting by giving their songs more variation. The drum parts in the separate songs show much alikeness just like some of the guitar melodies and the keyboards should have gotten a more prominent role. Like using three in stead of one trumpet in the intro of “In Martyria”. Just like in other genres of metal the power metal genre also shows overkill of great bands and with “Imaginarium” Morifade solidly stands in the middle section. And with the potential shown on this release I guess we will have to wait what the future brings. But with bands as Rhapsody, Synergy and Kamelot the competition remains very hard.