After wedging in some touring between albums, their sophomore effort is ever-so-slightly grander than the first. Its songs are similar to Awakening The World, with the exception of “Think Not Forever," arguably the best track on either album. It is premium grade Euro power metal without a speck of messy nuance. Lisicki and friends tracked this on ProTools HD and in a single studio this time.
Lost Horizon executes top-grade musicianship in extravagant workouts. They never veer from Euro power metal's formulering. Lost Horizon's music is all slothful chord changes, astonishingly acrobatic lead solos and keyboard beds thicker than an Ikea comforter. Vocals are eagle-cry swoops into second-tenor before returning to the troposphere. Drums careen with crashes, tom rolls, and double-pedal kick drum glory. It's unclear though if a bassist ever showed up to any of the sessions.
A Flame To The Ground Beneath bakes a power metal cake, slathers on butter-cream frosting and then lets Lost Horizon slice out big ol' eight minute wedges. It leaves Lost Horizon’s fans with either that bloated feeling, or a craving for more. Nutrition is in the ear of the beholder.
This second album proffers up more lyric insipidity. The lyrics are so nonsensical, they're hypnotic. It’s similar to listening in on the language children burble while singing in the bath tub. What is different about this album from their first one is the noticeable sense of urgency, bordering on panicky desperation.
The band pushes the tracks off the rails as they strain to reach some higher plain of marketability, er, artistry. Dismissing the same soundscape gimmickry they used on Awakening The World, they put out like streetwalkers on rent day over the course of the album. "Think Not Forever" is elevated craftsmanship. The album is fine Euro power metal, true to the rules in the handbook. It makes 40 minutes rocket by.
Lost Horizon’s fans undoubtedly wolfed down this Swedish Prinsesstårta before jumping on the tram over to Liseberg to get all beered up and ride the wooden roller coaster. Unfortunately for Lost Horizon the party was over soon after releasing A Flame To The Ground Beneath. Several members left to form Heed. There have been rumblings over the past couple of years about a Lost Horizon reunion. Maybe this time the bassist will show up.
(released January 31, 2012 on The End Records)
