It's quite seldom these days that a disc actually sneaks up on me and takes me copmpletely by suprise. I mean, ususally I have at least heard something about the project so I have SOME idea of what to expect. But I had NO idea this disc was even comimg down the pike, nor did I know anything about the musicians involved. And from the opening song I was simply BLOWN AWAY!

Of course, as some of you already know, Evil Masquerade is a collaboration between Henrik Brockmann on vocals (ex-Royal Hunt, Andre Anderson, Cornerstone), Henrik Flyman on guitars (ex-Moahni Moahna and Zool, most recently with Wuthering Heights), Kasper Gram on bass (Wuthering Heights/Manticora), and Dennis Buhl on drums (Sinphonia). Add to this already impressive mix the keyboard wizardry of guests Mats Olausson, Richard Andersson and André Andersen and you come away with a stellar lineup.

But an all star band is NOTHING without songs. And that is where Evil Maquerade shines. What do they sound like? Well, the neo-classical influence is clearly the strongest element in their compositions. But that is only the beginning. Try to imagine a band that combines the best qualities of neo classical ala Symphony X or Malmsteen, the epic melodic power metal sound of bands like Sonata Arctica or Kamelot, and the driving euro power metal sound of Gamma Ray and Helloween at their peak. Add to that a generous helping of layered vocal harmonies which alternate between classic Queen and baroque chorale. And that is about as close as I can come to describing the sound this band makes.

The production is first rate, with the sound of every instrument coming through crisp, clear and powerful. It was recorded at various studios, with the final mix being handled at Media Sound by Royal Hunt mainman Steen Mogensen. The excellent separation between instruments is a credit to his engineering/production skills. This is truly a great sounding disc.

Standout songs? The opening neo-classical bombast of the title track 'Welcome To The Show' is massive, kicking the disc off to a blazing start with Flyman ripping up and down the fretboard in a frenzy and Brockmann delivering a powerhouse performance that brings to mind the amazing pipes of David Readman (PC-69/Adagio). This is a stunning song, and I cannot think of a better way to start the disc. Equally impressive is 'Oh Harlequin' with it's driving opening riff and soaring vocal melody which brings to mind Sonata Arctica and the clean legato guitar runs that recall Malmsteen's glory days. Another track that just sticks in your head like glue is 'Lucy The Evil' with it's driving Symphony X riffing on the verses which gives way to a half time chorus reminiscient of classic Rainbow and then segues into a baroque guitar solo which gives way to a chugging Middle Eastern tinged riff. Great stuff.

Are the originality police going to lap up this disc? Nope. It's simply too derivative to appeal to their "elite" tastes. But this is anything BUT a "clone band". These guys have clearly drawn from certain musical influences. But they have also given it an indelible stamp which makes it something uniquely their own. I think I can confidently say that if you like the music of any of the bands I mentioned in this review, then you will enjoy this disc immensely. Highly recommended.

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