'Fool' is a memorable musical story, one that is beautifully performed by all involved.

Now, this is a very interesting musical entity. Darkyra Black is for all intense and purposes a "solo artist" that hails from Australia. What began as a musical project for Gina Bafile has progressed into a fully-fledged band; a Symphonic Rock powerhouse that leans heavily towards Metal and tinges of Opera.

On 'Fool', Bafile surrounds herself with some of the best talents from Europe, making this second effort a stellar body of work! A concept piece, 'Fool' is a musical journey that completely mesmerises from the opening trickling of notes and continues to build. A complicated set of musical movements coupled with a provocative story, 'Fool' will completely surround the listener.

On this offering, the main musical unit comprises of Bafile on vocals, Betovani Dinelli (Joe Lynn Turner) on guitar and Garry King (Jeff Beck, Joe Lynn Turner) on drums and percussion. An additional cast of musicians are also present; Fab Jablonski on keyboards, bassists Tony Dolan and Kostas Vichos along with Ilias Sdoukos on viola, violinist Laertis Kokolanis and Michael Porfyris playing the cello.

The result is an expansive bed of sound that creates soundscapes that follow the emotive story contained. In some passages a full voice choir is also present, producing an intricate sea of sound.

The music flows from height to height, creating an oceanic bed that is fully profound and majestic. Bafile's vocal stylings are powerful, at times muscular and always beautiful. We hear outreaches of Opera as well as the deep Symphonic renderings, and all sung crystal clear.

The stories unfolding before us are both full of beauty and, at times, stark. Again, Bafile's voice can aptly handle and uphold the musical atmosphere created. 'Fool' is a complete work, commanding in performance...driving us, the listeners, ever deeper in these flowing rivers of sound.

A very ambitious effort, especially knowing that this is only Darkyra Black's second offering. Recorded in Greece – Athens to be exact – 'Fool' reflects the majesty, myth and magic of the city and of the region. Obviously a heavy European-influence throughout, but one that Bafile is most comfortable in. An album with a first-rate production, produced by Georg Boussounis and mixed by Garry King.

This recorded work captures Bafile fully and sees her at the top of her craft. 'Fool' is a memorable musical story, one that is beautifully performed by all involved.

Bruce E.J. Atkinson