The singers:
Damian Wilson (Threshold, Ayreon) - Prologue Narrator
Gary Hughes as King Arthur
Lana Lane as Guinevere
Danny Vaughn (Tyketto) as Lancelot
Irene Jansen (Karma) as Morgana
Bob Catley (Magnum) as Merlin
Sean Harris (Diamond Head) as Galahad
DC Cooper (Symphorce) as King Aelle
Sabine Edelsbacher (Edenbridge) as Nimue
Doogie White (Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen) as Mordred
Harry Hess (Harem Scarem) - Epilogue Narrator

Gary Hughes: Guitar, Piano, Keyboards
Arjen Lucassen: Keyboards intro "Excalibur"
Chris Francis: lead guitars
John Halliwell: guitars
Greg Morgan: drums
Steve McKenna: bass
Paul Hodson: keyboards
Graham Woodcock (The Quest): additional keyboards

I don’t know how many times the legend and myths of King Arthur or someone from his entourage were used as subject for a concept album, but I sure can’t count it on one hand. This rock opera is, as you could guess, also based on this story. The whole story has been divided on 2 CD’s. The first part will be available on August 25^th and part two on October 6^th. I already received both promos, so I can give you an overview.

“Once and future king” is a rock opera that completely answers all the expectations you get when you hear the word ‘rock opera”, including the cast. The big names of the participants make sure that this CD will not pass unseen to the public. But the quality of this album is very high, so you have more than one reason to buy this CD’s.

I’ve always been a passionate fan of concept albums with the necessary theatrical bombast, heroic epics and nice ballads with a guitar solo as climax. And this album has it all. All melodies and choruses are pleasant to hear and can be sung along after a few times. A short overview:
”Excalibur” opens part one as a movie soundtrack with some keyboards from rock opera specialist Arjen Lucassen, better known as Ayreon or Star One. It changes into a rock track sung by Damian Wilson.
”Dragon Island Cathedral” is a rock song by Gary Hughes as Arthur. Very beautiful keyboards.
The first semi-rock ballad “At The End Of The Day” is one of the highlights of the CD. Both vocalists Gary Hughes (as Arthur) and Lana Lane (as Guinevere) take this song to unknown heights. A very strong track with ditto guitar solo and community singing.
Danny Vaughan (Tyketto) is Lancelot on “The Reason Why” and “Avalon”, which both have a catchy melody line.
Irene Jansen (Karma) as Morgana makes it clear that a woman can stick up for herself on “Shapeshifter”.
”King For A Day” is carried by medieval keyboards and the grotesque “In Flames” with Bob Catley (Magnum) as Merlin are both tracks that stay in your head.
There’s a wonderful organ sound on “Sinner” with Sean Harris (Diamond Head) as Galahad.
Part One closes with ‘Lies”, a track with a lot of driving power and Gary Hughes as Arthur.

Part 2 opens strongly with “Kill The King”, pure guitar power with some bombastic keyboards as support. The dark deep voice of Dc Cooper (Symphorce) as accompanying vocals is great.
”There By The Grace Of The Gods (Go I)” and “I Still Love You (I Still Do)”, both with Gary Hughes, the first is a rock song, the other a semi rock ballad.
Lana Lane puts her best foot foremost for “Oceans Of Tears” which is again a track with a high sing-along feeling.
Morgana, played by Irena Jansen brings us back with both feet on the ground. A very good rock song.
With Sabine Edelsbacher (Edenbridge) as Nimue, we get another highlight entitled “Believe Enough To Fight”. The voices at the end of the song are brilliant.
“The hard way” and “Demon down” are both sung by Dougie White (Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen) as Mordred. Nicely old fashioned Rainbow... and yet...?
“The Pagan Dream” with Sabine Edelsbacher sounds more like Rhapsody, which is not really my cup of tea.
The instrumental “Deius” (though there are a lot of male voices) is what I really like, that is, if you can bare a male choir.
Sean Harris (Diamond Head) as Galahad sings “Without You” as if he never did anything else in his life. Excellent song that grows on you each time you hear it.
“Once And Future King” by Harry Hess (Harem Scarem) has everything an epilogue of a concept album should have. A gripping voice, a solid building up and a memorable ending.

Before you know it, the 101 minutes have passed by. For fans of the genre this is a real must. If you like Ayreon and Star One than you can buy this one blindly.