Band : Sebastien
Album title : Tears Of White Roses
Label : Escape Music
Distributor : Connecting Music
Release Date : 19/11/2010
Release : CD

A band that exists since ten years, and then brings out a debut album ?  Well, as a matter of fact it isn’t really a debut album, but anyway it’s the first album that’s released under the Sebastien name.  It’s actually a group, and not a solo project as you might deduce from the name.  

It all started in 1999 when the first line-up appeared under the moniker of Calypso.  Two years later the name was changed to Navar.  Under this name they released three full albums, and an EP.  When two members leave Navar, the remaining members – Rain brothers and Andy Mons go looking for new members, and the band name is changed to Sebastien.  In 2009 they record this album in the Grapow Studios (of Roland Grapow – guitarist of Masterplan, ex –Helloween)
A lot of guests have been participating on this record, among them Roland Grapow, Amanda Somerville, Fabio Lione….  Lyrics for the album were written by a fellox Czech countryman, poet Jan Petriko.

Is the album any good ?  Yes, it’s a fantastic masterpiece.  I hear lots of different influences.  Some songs sound a bit like Him, but with a more progressive edge.  As a matter of fact it’s hard to put a style on this album.  It’s melodic metal, but there are also epic , sympho and prog influences.
A special reward goes to George Rain, man this guy has got a throat.  He’s got power, but also a very melodic voice.  And all the guests only contribute in making this album even better.

95/100

Erik Morren.