Search - Phantom's Opera :: Act IV

Powerful melodic rock concept album

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 01/17/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"2003's Act IV is the (you guessed it) fourth album from long running New Jersey melodic rock act Phantom's Opera. The band, which has at various points in the past 20 years boasted members of Bon Jovi, Prophet and Symphony X, recruited former Strangeways vocalist Terry Brock for this album.



I'm actually reminded of The Sign, another Terry Brock project, when listening to Act IV, since both albums have an epic, conceptual feel that you don't often encounter in the melodic rock genre. Act IV also brings to mind some of Magnum vocalist Bob Catley's more epic solo albums. What's nice is that you don't really need to follow the story to enjoy the album. Most of these songs work just fine on their own merits, while still maintaining the album's overall feel. This is something that a lot of "rock operas" struggle with, but Phantom's Opera manages quite nicely. The songs are moving and melodic, the instrumental work is first rate, and Terry Brock does a great job as always, adding drama and emotion to these songs.



Act IV is a better than average melodic rock fan that should appeal to most fans of the genre, particularly those who enjoy the more conceptual projects. Fans of Strangeways, the Sign, Slamer and other Terry Brock projects in particular will want to check this album out."