Ed Unitsky has yet again come up trumps with his stunning yet disturbing artwork for this, Moongarden's fifth release.

Featuring two new members, guitarist Marco Tafelli and the returning vocalist/guitarist Simone Baldini Tosi, the Italians once again prove they have material strong enough to deserve to be at the top of the symphonic prog tree.

Opener My Darkside actually took a few listens to overcome my initial perceived feeling of blandness, however I have found this melody haunting me for days. Andy Tillson (Tangent) guests on That Child, a song of massive contrasts, one minute rocking like hell itself, next boasting soothing violin, with hints of David Bowie in the vocals.

More challenging is Solaris with it's eclectic rhythms and robotic voice but yet again it's another track worth persevering with if only for the space rock section.

The closer The Lighthouse Song is easily the highlight, humble piano led beginnings with agonising vocals giving way to an almost grunge section before sliding back into quieter times.

What clinches it for me though is the superb guitar solo towards the end, a moment of sheer beauty.

***½

Review by Dave Hunter