GENIUS: Episode 3: The Final Surprise

Choice Of The Month Feb 2007
Cover	Release	Style
	2007-02-16	progressive metal
	Label
	Frontiers
	Website
	www.geniusrockopera.com
	Contact
	dliverani@danieleliverani.com
	Playing Time	Cat. N°
	78:45	FR CD 321
	Review by / Translated by	Rating
	Reggie	9/10
nederlands	Review
Genius is a rock opera, conceived by multi-instrumentalist Daniele Liverani (Empty Tremor, Khymera). It’s an ambitious project, spanning three albums. “The Final Surprise” is the final part of the Genius-trilogy, and a conclusion to the interesting, if somewhat strange story, started almost 5 years ago. The complete story is told in the form of 33 songs (11 tracks per cd), counting more than 4 hours of music, and is based on a 10-minute dream by the main character Genius. It tells the story of a boy named Genius, going too deep into his dream, and by doing so, discovers the truth about how human dreams are created. I’m a big fan of this rock-opera concept. Having played the first two episodes a lot, I was looking forward to this third part. Fortunately, Liverani does not disappoint his fans. In fact, I can say that the third instalment is probably the best one of them all. Daniele Liverani plays all the instruments himself, except for the drums, which are played by Dario Ciccioni (Khymera). Oliver Hartmann did all the choirs, and Philip Beynoe is the storyteller. Like the first two episodes, Liverani has produced a dream-cast of singers to play their respective roles in the rock opera. “Genius” is played by D.C Cooper (ex-Royal Hunt, Silent Force), while his companion “Twinspirit nr.32” is performed by David Gildenlow (Pain Of Salvation). And what do you think about Jorn Lande (ex-Masterplan, Jorn), Eric Martin (ex-Mr. Big), Toby Hitchcock (Pride Of Lions) and Andrea Datwyler (Lunatica) as the other singers? They all truly live up to their names, and the album is full of great vocalisations and harmonies. The music takes a little getting used to, especially if you’re not used to progressive rock. But persevere, and Genius “Episode 3: The Final Surprise” will grab you, and never let go. If you’re into somewhat heavier progressive music (cfr. Dream Theater, Symphony X, Pain Of Salvation), you’re really going to love this record, even if you don’t have the first two episodes. Just buy it!
Musicians
Daniele Liverani: All guitars, bass, keyboards and toys recordings Dario Ciccioni: Drums & percussion Oliver Hartmann: All choirs The Singers DC Cooper: “Genius” Daniel Gildenlow: “Twinspirit n.32” Jorn Lande: “Apikor” Andrea Dätwyler: “Kokeshi” Toby Hitchcock: “Senator Jeramus” Eric Martin: “Mr. Niko” Philip Bynoe: “Storyteller”
Tracklist
Toy Warehouse (7:30) No More Chances (5.10) Save Me From My Destiny (11.26) Alive And Safe (5.57) Jump Off This Train (7.27) Let Me Live (8.12) Inside These Memories (8.43) I Die (6.13) Back To Life Again (6.13) Dream In Liberty (7.22) The Final Surprise (4.25)
Discography
Genius Episode 1: “A Human Into Dreams' World” (2002) Genius Episode 2: “In Search Of The Little Prince” (2005) Genius Episode 3: “The Final Surprise” (2007)


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