Wonders, the alchemists behind 2021’s illuminating The Fragments Of Wonder, have unleashed its cataclysmic successor, Beyond The Mirage, a symphony of anthems forged on the Greek and Italian metal crucible.
With Beyond The Mirage, Wonders continue to elevate the possibilities of Italian melodic power metal, and it’s a resounding testament to the band's powers. Hailing from the sun-kissed shores of Sardinia, the sibling duo Pietro Paulo Lunesu (guitar) and Giorgio Lunesu (drums) kindle the blazing heart of Wonders, joined by the mainland's melodic sorcerers Marco Pastorino (vocals) and Luca Negro (bass). Orchestrating this marvel is none other than the Greek virtuoso, Bob Katsionis, who weaves his wizardry through the tapestry with his keyboard mastery and production skills.
Beyond The Mirage is the pinnacle of power metal, skillfully blending impactful vocals, searing guitar virtuosity, and intricate progressions. While labeled as a side-project, Wonders' musical ascendancy is undeniable. The chemistry within this ensemble is electrifying, each member a charismatic force, each note dripping with attitude.
The Lunesu brothers, sculptors of soundscapes since their Even Flow days in 1999, channel the essence of their Sardinian roots into every chord and rhythm. The lineage continues with Marco Pastorino, whose voice and guitar have forged indelible marks with his band Temperance and beyond, yielding six progressively dynamic albums. As for the creative nexus, Pietro Paolo's deft songwriting and guitar virtuosity intertwine seamlessly with Marco's vocal prowess, while Bob Katsionis orchestrates a multi-dimensional symphony from his keyboards, sculpting arrangements, helming production, and even conceiving the album's striking cover artwork.
Beyond The Mirage emerges as an opulent sonic testament, a shining exemplar of Italian melodic power metal's zenith. The Wonders' phenomenon sweeps listeners through a journey that defies mere boundaries and challenges preconceived notions. As they transcend genres and push musical frontiers, Wonders once again prove their mettle as a potent force within the realms of metal.