We reviewed their new album The Magic of Winter
The Wizards of Winter cured my cold heart. Let me just start by saying that when it comes to anything Christmas-related that I am like the Grinch’s evil and slightly more diabolical cousin. Holiday cheer and holiday music makes my charcoal heart, turn even blacker and there is not really much to change that feeling, until now. Before being asked to review this album and review the upcoming Wizards of Winter show in Chicago at Thalia Hall, I had never heard of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra before. Before listening to The Wizards of Winter, Magic of Winter, I knew by the album cover that I was going to be in for a treat.
I mean come on that is a badass owl
As Flight of the Snow Angels comes in, I really the epic mixture of Christmas songs and hair metal is possibly the best pairing that could ever be invented. When the epic guitar solo came in, I could feel my charcoal heart get a little warmer. Winter Magic started off a little more macabre and epic and made me think of if Metallica binge watched Home Alone for 24 hours straight and decided to make an album. In other words this track is probably the most metal out of all of them on the album. Sharon Kelly’s vocals on this track add a really epic element.
Suprisingly, my favorite track on the album is the next one, “The Spirit of Christmas”, despite the massive amount of cheesiness and Disney Prince vocals on this one, I couldn’t help, but want to throw snowflakes at small children while fist pumping. Damn it, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, what have you done to me!
Some more notable favorites on the album are “Christmas Cotillion” and “Ebeneezer” (epic organ solo!), I wasn’t really a fan of “I Am Here”, because as much as I like Sharon’s vocals, it was a bit too Cinderella-sounding in this track.
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It’s official this album has truly been a Christmas miracle! Buy The Magic of Winter HERE.
Check out the remaining dates for the “An Evening with WIZARDS OF WINTER tour” and look out for my review for when they make it to Thalia Hall.
12/16 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
12/17 – Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works
12/18 – Effingham, IL @ Effingham Performing Arts Center
12/20 – Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall
12/26 – Albany, NY @ The Egg
12/27 – Syracuse, NY @ Crouse Hinds Theater
12/29 – Harrisburg, PA @ The Forum
