Fairyland’s third full-length boasts a variety of musicians from the prog/power metal scene including Pathosray, Heavenly and Serenity. The reason for the multitude of guest appearances is because ‘Score to a New Beginning’ relies solely on the mind of Philippe Giordana.

‘Opening Credits’ is aptly named, giving off a symphonic metal intro that sounds as if it was lifted from a film’s score. The album itself is an offering of colourful symphonic power metal with a strong concentration on keyboards that is utilised to create a number of moods. ‘Master of the Waves’ comes off as sinister and adventurous, whereas ‘At the Gates of Morken’ has a particularly interesting futuristic moment within its progressive metal outlines. Female vocals are employed effective on the lengthy title track and the closing number ‘End Credits’, perhaps a nod to the days when Fairyland were a female fronted band.

Despite the exploratory feel of this release, it does transform into predictable yet pretty symphonic metal. Although there are quite a few layers of music occurring at any given time, it fails to demand repeated listens. Still, Fairyland are not yet obsolete.

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