The Flashcards: Schönberg - Splendid Rosa Birth (2011)

75/100

The Japanese music scene truly feels amazing and holds its own unique, magical effect over listeners, especially when fronted by a female vocalist like Schönberg here.

As a power metal band, their point of reference is naturally Europe—which can be seen right from their name, similar to Versailles. The formula they use is also quite close to Pathfinder, namely classical riffs and several symphonic interludes. Schönberg doesn't emphasize speed the way that band or their predecessor, Dragon Guardian, does; instead, they deliver through Naru's singing, particularly on the tracks featuring the word Rosa. Well, her style is somewhat comparable to Fuki (Unlucky Morpheus, Light Bringer), meaning she doesn't quite hit a full soprano register, staying just below that typical standard. It doesn't need to be grandiose, but her melodies still find a way into your soul.

And... as usual. A few songs have risen to the surface during this third spin, which adds value to the album. Yes, it’s quite recommended and definitely better than my memory of their peers, Grand Finale—even though I personally still don't like it when there's more than one ballad sitting in the same room.

Tracklist:

1. 聖ロサRevelation －紋章にかかる綾－ (Holy Rosa Revelation -The Twill on the Crest-)

2. ロサ・シリウス (Rosa Sirius)

3. 黒薔薇のシセロ (Cicero of the Black Rose)

4. Vin rouge blue(s)

5. 暁 (Dawn)

6. ロサ・ギガンティア (Rosa Gigantea)

7. ヴェルサイユに咲く－薔薇の香りは全ての始まり－ (Blooming in Versailles -The Scent of Roses is the Beginning of Everything-)

8. La reine

9. 物語の始まりは・・・－遠い遠い月の国のお話－ (The Beginning of the Story... -The Tale of the Far, Far Away Moon Kingdom-)

10. 月燈りのシェヘラザード (Moonlit Scheherazade)

11. 黒蝶のワルツ (Waltz of the Black Butterfly)

12. ロサ・クライシス (Rosa Crisis)

13. 旅人達のソワレ～ Epilogue (Soiree of Travelers ~ Epilogue)

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