DARK MOOR recently signed a deal with Italy's Scarlet Records . The group's new album, "Tarot" , is said to be "an intriguing" conceptual effort about the major arcanes of the tarot, covering in depth the meaning of each arcane and the esoteric halo that surrounds it.

Tarot might consider as one of Dark Moor's finest albums. The album is full of Dark Moor signature sound with neoclassical stylings and speed double-bass power metal shredding.

In almost sixty minutes, Dark Moor takes their audiences along for a ride on their journey exploring the intriguing concept about the major arcanes of the Tarot cards. The concept sounds very interesting.

But don't get too excited, Dark Moor's Tarot seem to give their audience the feeling of listening to those of Kamelot. Not only many of the music arrangements are similar to those from Kamelot, but especially vocal Alfred Romero, who sould a bit like woman in this album, is also almost a replica sound from Kamelot's singer, Khan. Even the artwork of this album has been created by Derek Gores (yes, the same guy who did… Kamelot). Despite that, Dark Moor still be able pull this one out.

The album starts with a kind of dull intro track "The Magician" which seems to be a bit mild for setting the tune of the album. However, Dark Moor raise it up with strong five straight tracks packed with heavy riffs and speed double-bass and drum. With tight arrangements and powerful vocals, "The Chariot", "The Star", "Wheel Of Fortune", "The Emperor" and "Devil In The Tower" are considered pure power metal gold giving the bright light to this album. Music seem to slow down with the following tracks "Death", not too impressive but still strong, and "Lovers", almost sound like a ballad. Both tracks come only a bit less memorable than the previous tracks. The album pick up its pace with the heaviness of "The Hanged Man" and conclude with the 11 minutes epic "The Moon" which represent everything from Beethoven to Chopin in an effort to be cooler than "Dies Irae (Amadeus)", unfortunately, can't quite pull it off and run a bit too long and doesn't seem to flow all that well. The bonus track "The Fool" is a bit mediocre, it seems like they could've done way more...it feels restained but make it up with a nice keyboards sound.

However, by far, this is a tight album with great composition and excellent production exceeding any expectation. With many great solos and riffs, Enrik Garcia gives such a brilliant guitar works in this album. One reason to buy this album.

Track of "Tarot"

Overall

Positive: This is by far one of the finest Dark Moor albums. The band still maintain their signature sound with tight arrangements, powerful riffs, heavy bass, and speed drum. The album sound a lot like one from Kamelot. If you are Kamelot fan, this might be your next favorite album.

Negative: The only small negative thing about this album is in a couple tracks that cannot keep up their paces with the rest of the album.