International collaborations in the metal realm seem more of the norm thanks to the borderless abilities of digital workstations beyond the speeds of the internet. Timeless Fairytale is another such band, containing members from Denmark, Sweden, and Italy while recruiting members with ties to Royal Hunt, Evil Masquerade, Stamina, and Forever Still among others. Combining elements of neoclassical/ melodic power metal with aspects of classic rock and symphonic touches, the debut album A Story to Tell represents a group of musicians willing to combine decades of experience into a world class outing right out of the gate.
A grandiose intro “Entering the Fairytale” creates the alluring atmosphere to transport the listener into the band’s realm – soothing neoclassical guitar lines soon succumb to acrobatic exercises out of guitarist Luca Sellitto’s dominant hands before vocalist Henrik Brockmann engages the human experience / searching for answers storyline in his comfortable, melodic register. The main components of the quartet’s style contain melodic power metal riffs that possess a unison orchestral/keyboard unison component, next to supportive background harmony vocals to sustain key verses/choruses – similar to aspects of Henrik’s previous work with Royal Hunt next to the work of Stratovarius, Symphony X, and early Elegy. The occasional use of jumpy, mid-tempo groove hooks as well as soothing ‘ohh – ohh’-oriented background vocals takes “Master of Illusion” to instant appeal status – incorporating some 70s/80s classic rock textures next to the circular riffs and killer drum parts from Viktor Enebjörn. Midway through the album the seven-minute centerpiece title cut unfolds – a masterful theatrical-laced effort full of the proper symphonic accents, stirring lead guitar passages, and Henrik’s emotive vocal delivery as the song goes from tear-jerking ballad parts to cinematic splendor. At other times the uplifting chord charge with double kick propulsion should keep the power metal fans abuzz, as “The Best Part of Your Life” illustrates.
The combination of styles into a desirable, focused set of songs should pay huge dividends to establish the following of Timeless Fairytale through A Story to Tell. European melodic metal that contains proper musicianship-filled virtuosity, though not getting too carried away as to lose the plot – should be intriguing to see where these gentlemen go from this point forward.