“The Final Surprise” is the third and final installment of Daniele Liverani’s rock opera. Fans of the first two episodes have patiently waited two years for this to be released and must be wondering was it worth the wait? Well all you devoted followers of this release can breathe a sigh of relief when I tell you it’s magical, awesome and a pretty much damn near perfect finale.

Daniele has surrounded himself with some of the best vocalists from the progressive rock and metal genre. How's this for a list of singers. D.C Cooper (Silent Force, Royal Hunt), Daniel Gildenlow (Pain Of Salvation), Jorn Lande (Masterplan, Jorn), Andrea Datwyler (Lunatica), Eric Martin (Mr. Big) and Toby Hitchcock (Pride Of Lions). Each singer plays a character and Daniele Liverani has given each vocalist plenty of room to shine.

Philip Bynoe (Steve Vai, Ring Of Fire) plays the storyteller and Oliver Hartmann provides all the choir vocals. I have to make special mention of the choirs, as they are at times stunning. Remember when you heard Queens Bohemian Rhapsody for the first time and were knocked out by Freddie’s layered vocals? Well Hartmann has managed to get that vibe perfectly and each song sounds massive thanks to his input.

Okay so there’s a breakdown of the personnel but I bet your all wondering what’s the music sound like?

Opening track “Toy Warehouse” is a progressive rock rush. Turn down the lights, crank up the hi-fi and just let this slab of pure melodic hard rock floor you. This track is a killer. Every member of the project puts in an incredible performance. This is thrilling stuff and from the off you will be hooked. The chorus is priceless and Liverani gives us a rocking guitar solo.” No More Chances” sees the pedal being pressed well and truly to the metal. Drumming from Dario Cicciani (Khymera) drives this song along relentlessly and the vocal powerhouse that is Jorn Lande soars over the top.” Save Me From My Destiny” has Andrea Datwyler putting in a fabulous performance. This song is melodic and grand with some lovely orchestral touches.” Alive And Safe” has a crunching intro riff, which Tony Iommi would be proud of and overseeing proceedings is Eric Martin. It’s a melodic rock tour de force, which is the perfect accompaniment for Martin who has one of the best vocal ranges in rock. This track did leave me thinking I wish the guys that were Mr. Big hadn’t imploded as when it comes to this style they had no competition.” Jump Of This Train” thunders down the track and has a massive groove. Daniel Gildenlow puts in a stunning performance and one feels this track was custom made for his energetic and unique vocal style. The song arrangement is perfectly crafted and full of drama and energy. This song will have you thinking you are on the train with these guys. It’s that enthralling.” Let Me Live” is a cool slice of melodic hard rock with a terrific guitar solo which is surrounded by some super human vocal performances from the main characters.” Inside These Memories” is meaty song that struts along and has a dark detached feel to it which suits the subject matter perfectly.” I Die” is a wonderful piece of music, which again conjures up the scene in the story perfectly. Once again Daniel Gildenlow gives an emotion drenched vocal delivery.” Back To Life” lifts the mood and has Toby Hitchcock pouring his crisp vocals over the top along with some super slinky guitar soloing from Liverani.

The album is by this point approaching its climax and “Dream in Liberty” lifts the tempo and leads us to the penultimate track “the Final Surprise”.

Like the music the story is intriguing and has lots of twists and turns. When one takes into account the previously released first and second installment and add this third and final part one is left with a wonderful achievement. Liverani has shown himself to be a writer and guitar player of massive imagination and he should also be commended for coaxing some show stopping vocal performances out of the guest singers.

I couldn’t help thinking of the first time I heard Jeff Wayne’s “War Of the Worlds” and how the mixture of storytelling and music left me enthralled. With Daniele Liverani’s rock opera the door to those feelings has been opened once again. Truly a work of “Genius”

Let us know your views on 'Episode 3: The Final Surprise'

Track List

Toy Warehouse
No More Chances
Save Me From My Destiny
Alive and Safe
Jump Off This Train
Let Me Live
Inside These Memories
I Die
Back To Life Again
Dream In Liberty
The Final Surprise