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Here we have the debut release from symphonic metal two piece Trocaria. The band are comprised of members Jon S. who takes care of the vocals, and founding member Joan Palmer who takes care of just about everything else. Trocaria's style is a blend of symphonic metal, with doom and some extreme metal influences, mostly in the vocals.

There are some good moments across the album, but it's a shame that these mostly lie in the keyboard melodies. Nothing in the way of riffs or vocal lines really hit their mark, and with the album plodding along at a slow to chugging pace it all kind of blurs into one. The production is handled well enough – especially for a debut from an underground two piece – although the cymbals certainly sound synthetic. "Is it just a Shadow" is a good track, which is the highlight of the album and is definitely the most memorable, although "Gates of Hell" has its moments too.

For the most part though, Trocaria just don't boast enough appeal to see them rise above the cut-throat underground. The talent is there, but it's clear the band would benefit from some more members, specifically a dedicated guitarist who could be more creative with the riffs. Fans of symphonic metal that isn't female-fronted might find something to like here, but for anyone else I can safely say you're hardly missing out on much.