Dark Moor (album)

Dark Moor is the fourth full-length studio album by the Spanish neoclassical/power metal band Dark Moor, released on 24 November 2003 through Arise Records. It is the band's first album to feature vocalist Alfred Romero, following the departure of original vocalist Elisa C. Martín, guitarist Albert Maroto, and drummer Jorge Sáez, who left due to musical differences and formed the band Dreamaker.

Background

Following the split, founding members Enrik García (guitar) and Anan Kaddouri (bass) remained with Dark Moor. New members Alfred Romero (lead vocals), José Garrido (guitars), and Andy C. (drums) were recruited. The album was recorded and mixed at New Sin Studio in Loria, Treviso, Italy, between April and June 2003, with producer Luigi Stefanini. Mastering was handled by Mika Jussila at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland.

Musical style and themes

The album blends power metal and symphonic metal, with orchestral arrangements, choirs, and neoclassical elements. Several tracks are based on historical and literary subjects:

• "A Life for Revenge" is based on The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.
• "The Bane of Daninsky (The Werewolf)" is a homage to Spanish actor Jacinto Molina (Paul Naschy) and his character Waldemar Daninsky.
• "Philip, the Second" concerns Philip II, King of Spain (1556–1598).
• "Cyrano of Bergerac" is about the French dramatist and duelist Cyrano de Bergerac.
• Tracks 7–11 form the "Attila" suite, based on the life of Attila the Hun.
• "The Dark Moor" (as well as the band's name) is inspired by Raymond E. Feist's Riftwar Saga fantasy novels.

Track listing

All music written by Enrik García. Lyrics by Francisco José García except where noted.

1. "A Life for Revenge" – 5:48
2. "Eternity" – 4:23
3. "The Bane of Daninsky (The Werewolf)" – 5:30
4. "Philip, the Second" – 6:45
5. "From Hell" – 3:51 (lyrics by Alfred Romero)
6. "Cyrano of Bergerac" – 7:41
7. "Overture (Attila part I)" – 2:48 (instrumental)
8. "Wind Like Stroke (Attila part II)" – 5:16
9. "Return for Love (Attila part III)" – 4:19
10. "Amore Venio (Attila part IV)" – 0:55
11. "The Ghost Sword (Attila part V)" – 4:53
12. "The Dark Moor" – 8:36
13. "The Mysterious Maiden" – 4:55 (Japanese bonus track)

Total length: 65:40

Personnel

Dark Moor

• Alfred Romero – lead vocals, backing vocals
• Enrik García – guitars, backing vocals
• José Garrido – guitars, backing vocals
• Anan Kaddouri – bass
• Andy C. – drums

Additional musicians

• Beatriz Albert – soprano vocals (tracks 6, 10, 12), backing vocals
• Isabel García – piano, keyboards
• Mamen Castaño – backing vocals
• Valcavasia's Choir – choir
• Choir of Scuola Media "Montegrappa" di Romano D'Ezzelino – choir

Production

• Luigi Stefanini – producer, recording, mixing
• Dark Moor – production
• Mika Jussila – mastering

Release details