Year: 2021
Total Time: 58:52
Label: Frontiers

Timo Tolkki: the man, the musician, who is capable of both the best and the worst. How could I forget masterpieces like “Fourth Dimension”, “Episode” and “Visions”? On the other hand, how could I dismiss that winter evening – one of the many evenings – when the Finnish musician threatened live via social media, obviously mentally depressed, to end his life, and there were about a dozen of us gathered on his profile begging him to reconsider… It is difficult for me to approach any of Timo’s releases in a fragmented way, knowing on one hand his mysterious character, observing his choices (just recently for example the management of the INFINITE VISIONS project was disappointing), reading many of his interviews and general statements, listening to his music for decades… However, I will try to do so, because in the end what is important is to distinguish the art from its creator, even if we are dealing with a personal musical project.

So, fourth album for AVALON, the creation of the Italian label Frontiers, with the compositional footprint of Timo Tolkki in a part of the tracks (yes, Timo hasn’t even composed the whole album), and from the very first listen I conclude that this is a very remarkable album. Expectedly good for many people I guess, because to a large extent it has also passed through the “filter” of the Italian record label. An obvious change in relation to the project’s previous recordings is the fact that the symphonic – orchestral parts, which were characterized by a pompous style and a similar tone, have gradually receded. Although they are still present, they are quite subtle, leaving “space” and resting the ear with melodies that let the music and the voice “breathe” a little bit more.

The musical style of “The Enigma Birth” is a mixture of European power metal, progressive and a lot of modern hard rock elements. Timo is accompanied by Aldo Lonobile (SECRET SPHERE, DEATH SS), Antonio Agate (SECRET SPHERE), Andrea Arcangeli (DGM), Marco Lazzarini (SECRET SPHERE) and Federico Maraucci, while on vocals we have to deal with strong participations that highlight the diverse character of the album. Simply wonderful “I Just Collapse” and “Memories”, featuring Caterina Nix, “Beautiful Lie” with James LaBrie and “Another Day” with Marina La Torraca. My favorite moments are “Without Fear”, an amazing power metal track (reminds so much of STRATOVARIUS),  performed by Fabio Lione (ex-LABYRINTH, ex-RHAPSODY, ANGRA), and the two tracks performed by Raphael Mendes (yes, the second Dickinson!), “Master Of Hell” and “Beauty And War”.

I would write and maybe this comes from my enthusiasm, that “Enigma Birth” is AVALON’s best album so far. Honestly, I was somewhat negatively biased and the album exceeded any expectations I had with its freshness, vibrancy and maturity. Obviously any comparison with the greatness of the Finnish gifted musician’s past is pointless. Those of you who listen to melodic power and commercial hard rock should check out this release. Timo Tolkki is here, fully present and this is one of the very pleasant surprises of this year.

Rating: 7/10
Editor: Kostas Kafritsas
Related Link: TIMO TOLKKI’S AVALON – Facebook Page