Review by Krys on February 19, 2002.

Well, well... I remember the days when only for an idea of having keyboards in a metal band you could get a free dental appointment and look now... almost every band has them or at least some kind of stripped version of them by using computer samples or other wonders of technology. If that’s not enough for you, my friend, then I have a solo album from the Children of Bodom keyboard player Warmen to satisfy your cravings.

Just so I can finish my thought... I can understand guitarists, vocalists or even drummers having solo projects, but keyboard players? I guess nothing will surprise me anymore but one thing is certain, it will always bring those nightmares and puking memories of long nights with a toilet in my arms after listening to few samples from another keyboard player called Yanni. Remember Yanni? NO!? That’s good, no need to mention him here... I don’t feel very well anymore...

OK, just so you don’t get the wrong impression here, Warmen is NOT Yanni. “Beyond Abilities” is a collection of sweet, melodic and well performed power metal tunes but unfortunately there’s nothing above or bellow that. With help from few skillful musicians and few guests to increase the attractiveness of this release, Warmen and Co. locked themselves within the genre’s boundaries and produced something you’ve heard a hundred times during the last year alone.

Like most of these types of releases “Beyond Abilities” will get your head moving a couple times but the total deficiency of new creative ideas or even a lack of just a simple combination of genres will get you tired of this album after just one listen.

Bottom Line: If you still crave for sweet melodic power metal you might want to check it out.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 5
Production: 8
Originality: 4
Overall: 6

Rating: 6.2 out of 10