### Exlibris: Humagination

#### 24/11/13 || Cobal

While definitely not an expert, there was a time when I really dug this kind of metal, unfortunately, useless copying and repetition prevent me from being that enthusiastic about literary/epic power metal these days. While “Humagination” doesn’t necessarily lack the due staples of the genre and it does show some quality music, I’m overall not impressed.

Indeed, everything is here, and that’s probably part of my problem with this record. First, the epicness, the big, fat epicness. You know what I’m saying, right? That movie score-like sound that’s supposed to transfer the listener into a fantasy landscape. Sorry, I don’t buy into that anymore. Fortunately, Exlibris also go for a more rock-oriented sound at times, and that indeed adds up for their credibility. Second, there’s of course the soloing. Guitar, keyboards and even bass solos here and there prove that this guys definitely can play if anything. The problem is we’ve heard such things before, and in better shape. Now, while this is not disgusting or insulting in any way, it does feel as though they really want to be the next Rhapsody in the henhouse. Sorry, not even Rhapsody of Fire have achieved that. So, if you’re a collector of literary power metal, you may check this out.

A check for all the musts, still no cigar.

5/10: Keep trying, yo chicks.