Neverland – Illusory World

Neverland
Illusory World
Label: POWER BLAST Records
Out: November 9^th, 2024
Playing time: 38:15

In the promo e-mail, Neverland is described as one of the leading Power Metal bands in Switzerland. So it’s a little surprising that relatively few things are known about the band. Even a search on the Encyclopaedia Metallum doesn’t bring up much. Fortunately, you can find some information on the band’s homepage. The band’s history goes back to 1999, when drummer Boris Stoll and guitarist Daniel Huber decided to form their own band at the ACM Music School in Zurich. Catchy melodies were mixed with progressive elements and classical riffs. The album ‘Schizophrenia’ (2007) was the result of this creative phase. After that, the story remains largely in the dark. Now there is apparently a reunion of some of the founding members. In addition to those already mentioned, singer Mike Zotter is back on board. The apparent second album ‘Illusory World’ was released in November.

After a somewhat unspectacular introduction, ‘Legends’ features a somewhat heavier guitar riff. The advertised Power Metal turns out to be more Melodic Metal with a lower level of heaviness. However, it is well done. Plus a strong guitar solo. ‘Timeless’ then starts more powerful and faster. But then we find ourselves back in the mid-tempo range. Also ‘Where Is The Sun’ is very harmonious. As with the previous songs, the keyboards underpin the sound throughout. Sometimes a little too intrusive. The guitar hooks make up for this somewhat. Some minor tempo and rhythm changes provide a progressive flavour. This is intensified on ‘Fury’. There are a few more tempo changes here. The drums, keyboards and lead guitar sound a little hectic at times. Later, spoken words can be heard. ‘Life’ starts as a calm piano/strings ballad. Then the guitars, bass and drums kick in powerfully without significantly increasing the tempo. This only happens towards the end with another great guitar solo. ‘Risk’ is characterised by fast and tough riffs. Here we actually move a little towards Power Metal, but not consistently. ‘Rain’ follows on almost seamlessly. The progressive part is also greater here. And the album ends just as it began. ‘No Time To Loose’ offers catchy Melodic Metal, after another trivial synth introduction.

‘Illusory World’ has impressive cover artwork. It’s also well done musically, although the Swiss are actually sailing under a false flag. However, I highly doubt whether this is enough to be labelled as one of ‘Switzerland’s leading Power Metal bands’. But the second tier of Swiss Metal bands is also extremely strong. And this is where I would rank Neverland. The album is fun to listen to almost throughout. Only some of the keyboard parts are a little overdone.

Neverland – Where is the sun: https://youtu.be/FvrksyID2tI?si=GxjaFhTjwpHDYGu1

Lineup:

Daniel Huber – Guitar, Keyboard
Danis Kelesidis – Bass
Mike Zotter – Vocals
Boris Stoll – Drums
Maurizi Daniel – Guitar

Track list:

• Legends
• Timeless
• Where Is The Sun
• Fury
• Life
• Risk
• Rain
• No Time To Loose