David Arkenstone - Return of the Guardians

A gratifying album

Return of the Guardians, released in 1996, is the final installment of a trilogy. The first in the series is In the Wake of the Wind (1991). The second one is 1995's Quest of the Dream Warrior. In addition to the music, all three come with a corresponding story and map. Return of the Guardians is David Arkenstone's eighth full-length album. Ten tracks are contained. Altogether, the songwriting is pleasing, the musicianship is skilled, and the sound quality is satisfying. My favorite compositions are "Chosen Voices," "Winds of Change," and "Two Hearts." The curious, yet attractive, "Chosen Voices" has nice atmospherics. "Winds of Change" exhibits appealing violin work. "Two Hearts" is serene and pretty. An example of another piece that I like is "Trail of Tears"--it has a nice beat. Along with the story, the CD booklet includes assorted color drawings and a black-and-white photo of Arkenstone. Also, the album cover is cool. The disc is 56 minutes. Actually, I rate this album 3.5 stars. Arkenstone is a talented artist, and this is a recommendable piece of work. September 26, 2006

ONE OF HIS BEST!

His use of melodies really compliments the overall theme of the disk. It has its own distinct feel as much so as In the Wake of the Wind or Spirit Wind. Although the first song sounds a little choppy the rest compliments each other well, especially the last two songs, which really close it off with a flourish. I would recommend giving this a try! January 31, 2003

A brilliant finish for the trilogy

What can you expect from David Arkenstone to finish the trilogy he opened with his all-time masterpiece but a great ending...? This CD incorporates elements enough to take it as seriously as any other of his works.

Although in the beginning I thought this record wasn't better than only trying following up the synthesiser style of the first half of 'In The Wake of the Wind', I ended up very soon thinking it was almost as good as its predecessor.

Grey, misty sounding and superb, 'The Forgotten Lands' is surprisingly original and beautiful in the use of the piano and so much other instruments. It's one of his best tunes ever, poetic and very distant from anything else not only Arkenstone, but every other composer I know has made. 'Two Hearts' is weaker and predictable as a romantic track.

'The Mask' is great in its bass line, enigmatic and dark. 'The Chosen Voices' sounds very powerful and mistic, showing the grandness this composer knows how to create. 'Winds of Change' is very joyful and refreshing, but when it keeps on it gets to be one of the serious best tracks of the album.

The closing track, 'Reunion', is cheerful and optimistic again, but the best one of the album, undoubtedly, is the terrificly huge and changing, divided in two 'Water of Life'. Here, David shows how far he can get in expressing a radical inner change, with all the energy, passion and impulse of a new beginning. Not to miss this track, for it's rarely overcome by other Arkenstone's tracks. It's wonderful, and even more in the part where the choir and drums explode.

Anyway, although not as much orchestral and easy listening as 'In The Wake of The Wind', this record steps near it for the keeping of the inspiration with which it was made. January 29, 2002

TOP-OT -THE-LINE ARKENSTONE

I HAVE HAD AND SOLD OFF SEVERAL OF HIS WORKS. HE SHOWS PROMISS OF SOME BARRIER-BREAKING HIGH-ENERGY MUSIC BUT LOOSES IT ON THE WAY TO THE END. THIS ALBUM IS A PRIME EXAMPLE. THE FIRST CUT ABSOLUTELY FLIES WITH OTHER CUTS CATCHING MY EAR. AS A TOTAL IT`S OK AND I STILL PULL IT OUT FROM TIME TO TIME{NO I HAVN`T SOLD IT OFF YET AND PROBABLY WILL NOT}. June 8, 2001

Pretty good closer

This was the final installment of the trilogy, which has been explained by everyone before me. There's not really much bad to say here. The music was well done, and the story was great, as usual. However, it's difficult to distinguish on track from another. Only 2 tracks stood out to me. Two Hearts, as close as you can come to a ballad without putting words on it, and simply beautiful to boot. The other being Trail Of Tears, a dark piece that reminded me a lot of Enigma's first album, minus the chanting. Still, it's practically required listening for anyone who loves a little storytelling in their music. May 31, 2000

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