Victor Smolski's ALMANAC “Tsar” /Ltd. CD + DVD Digibook/

The debut full-length studio album by German Symphonic Power Metal band of legendary guitarist, ex-member of Rage, Lingua Mortis Orchestra, etc.
Formed by Victor Smolski after his departure from Rage, Almanac is a continuation of his work with the Lingua Mortis Orchestra.
Victor Smolski's style has been well established throughout his years with German Metallers Rage. Now he has felt it necessary to bring his stylings to the world of Symphonic Power Metal - under the moniker of Almanac. However, in actuality, "Tsar" ends up sounding more like the quirky, heavy riffs of Rage, with a few strings added to beef up the melodies of the riffs. Although this was recorded with a real orchestra - expect nothing like Rhapsody or Fairyland. What you can expect is some damn fine, riff-heavy, Progressively-tinged Power Metal done the way only a German can!
Fans of standard Power Metal fare will find plenty to enjoy beyond the crushing riffs of Smolski. There are points were the orchestra add a real stylistic flair - giving us an extra dimension to aurally examine. The melodic choruses are irresistible. There really is no stinker here, nothing reigns in the energy, and nothing treats the listener like a dullard. These are all smart, vibrant, enjoyable anthems for real music-lovers.
The production quality is top-notch. Every instrument, from the highest string right down to the rumbling bass guitar is allowed a moment to breathe. The bass becomes especially prominent in the sparse verses, where its tonic note brings an aura of true menace. 
"Tsar" is indeed a splendid record. Even if Symphonic Power Metal is the section of the record store that you're most unfamiliar with, "Tsar" will inspire you to get acquainted with it! Yet even beyond genre criteria, Almanac is a band that finds strength in the most organic of ingredients and churns them into pure Metal!!
Nuclear Blast Records, 2016 (NB 3576-1). Made in Germany. First press. Gatefold 2x LP / 45 RPM.


Tracklist:

Side A
1. Tsar 7:48
2. Self-Blinded Eyes 6:00

Side B
3. Darkness 1:17
4. Hands Are Tied 5:48
5. Children Of The Future 5:19

Side C
6. No More Shadows 8:19
7. Nevermore 4:42

Side D
8. Reign Of Madness 6:31
9. Flames Of Hate 6:35

Total playing time: 52:19 min.

The second full-length studio album by German Symphonic Power Metal band, formed by legendary guitarist, ex-member of Rage, Lingua Mortis Orchestra, etc.
The Symphonic Metal Powerhouse are back with sophomore release – and you simply will not hear a better Power Metal album that year!
It takes true talent to deliver a consistent Symphonic Power Metal album without dipping into trite tendencies or mawkish sentimentality, but Almanac have managed it with ease, and considering the talent at work here, that should come as no surprise.
Guitar-god Victor Smolski’s reputation speaks for itself and his ridiculously high standards are maintained throughout "Kingslayer". Seemingly unleashed from previous tethers, his work here borders on genius and these compositions astonish while still hitting you square in the gut with supreme Metal heaviness. Each track has more melodies than you’d think you can handle, more moments of pure theatricality than thought possible (without once stepping over into full ‘cheese’ territory) and, most importantly, at least one massive, ground-shaking riff that’ll make you want to start a mosh with your nearest and dearest.
It’s not just Victor who shines of course. Much should be said about the outstanding vocals on "Kingslayer" and while enlisting three (count ’em, three!) vocalists in the shape of Andy B. Franck (Brainstorm, ex-Ivanhoe), David Readman (Pink Cream 69) and Jeannette Marchewka (Lingua Mortis Orchestra) may suggest overkill, the layering and meticulous juxtapositioning of all 3 voices works seamlessly throughout, aiding the storytelling and providing a strong sense of grandeur befitting the sub-genre.
Unsurprisingly, there’s a concept to "Kingslayer", involving real life historical figures, kings and queens, etc. 
This album slays, and you don’t have to be a fan of Rage, Helloween or any other Power Metal band, who’ve attempted and, occasionally, managed to deliver Power Metal perfection. You just need to love Metal of the purest kind, and with "Kingslayer", Almanac have quite probably delivered your Metal album of the year! Bombastic, effervescent and utterly-utterly brilliant!!
Limited Edition to 500 copies 180g double Golden Vinyl in gatefold cover.
Nuclear Blast GmbH/Cargo Records Germany GmbH, 2017 (NBCLP 4070-1). Made in Germany. First press.


Tracklist:

Side A
Song 1. Regicide 6:10
Song 2. Children Of The Sacred Path 4:10
Song 3. Guilty As Charged 5:02

Side B
Song 1. Hail To The King 5:47
Song 2. Losing My Mind 5:33

Side C
Song 1. Kingslayer 1:33
Song 2. Kingdom Of The Blind 6:22
Song 3. Headstrong 6:11

Side D
Song 1. Last Farewell 5:01
Song 2. Red Flag 5:05

Total playing time: 51:14 min.