Fairyland - The Story Remains (2025) Hi-Res

Fairyland's 2025 release, The Story Remains, marks a significant chapter for the French symphonic power metal band, following the passing of founder and keyboardist Philippe Giordana in 2022. Dead Rhetoric notes that the album showcases broader strokes in its bombastic orchestration, expanding upon their established style. New vocalist Archie Caine delivers a performance balancing power metal highs with a natural smoothness, as heard in tracks like "Hopeless Still" and "The Chosen Ones." The review highlights the classic Blind Guardian-esque choir passages and layered keyboards, along with a fitting tribute to Giordana's earlier work.

Willdric Lievin, bassist and multi-instrumentalist, stated that the album is "richer and more versatile than previous albums," exploring new musical and lyrical territory. Former vocalist Elisa C. Martin also makes a guest appearance on the finale, "Suffering Ages," which Dead Rhetoric describes as "a potent power-oriented track tailor-made for her sophisticated skills." The album's production and sound are commended, with soft parts being as "easy on the ears as the dense, more musically involved elements."