Doesn't quite make its mark and falls somewhat short of the genre front runners.

"Big in Japan" was always a phrase used in a back-handed sort of way, implying a band that was popular at the far reaches of the globe but nowhere else. That's rather unfair due to the huge market that's available in Japan and one that has kick-started the career of many a band.

Bearing in mind their love of music, it is baffling as to why so few Japanese artists have made the transition into Western markets. Outside of Loudness and Vow Wow (or Bow Wow to those of an older pedigree), there are few others that have stepped up and made the grade over the years. Ancient Myth from Tokyo aim to rectify that with their latest release 'Aberration: Pt' which is available in three versions with separate English and Japanese formats offered for download and this bilingual mix on CD.

Leaving heavily towards the Symphonic end of the spectrum, Ancient Myth have grand plans that don't quite meet up to their ambitions. Such music needs a strong vocal presence, whether imposing like Nightwish's Floor Jansen or sweet and melodic like Sharon den Adel (Within Temptation) or Delain's Charlotte Wessels. The vocals of Michal, while reasonable, just lack that cutting edge needed. There are moments, however, on the likes of 'Jakujo No Tsuki' – a more laid back, atmospheric song – where the vocals are a much better fit and really suit being sung in her native tongue.

The second issue is the pacing of the album. It seems to gallop along with rampaging double bass drums at every opportunity when a little variety would certainly make for a more interesting listen, although 'Against The Fate' and its over-the-top approach does hit the mark. 'Canis', on the other hand, does offer something different with a slower, more brooding tempo and benefits all the more from it.

The musicianship throughout is of a high standard with the keyboards of Puzzy and Ikeda and the guitars of Izo proving there is a wealth of talent within the band. Ikeda's orchestral arrangements on 'Awaken' (and scattered across the album) show a genuine talent that could certainly be enhanced further on subsequent releases.

'Aberration: Pt' doesn't quite make its mark and falls somewhat short of the genre front runners, but there are flashes of inspiration that, at times, hint at something better in the future

Mick Burgess