"Unia" is probably the most typical album from this band. Don't let the opening track fool you. While "In Black And White" is simply an amazing track with some screaming, which has been done before but not to the extent in this track, it pretty much goes downhill from there. Most of the songs are generic and typical, slow paced power metal tracks that just don't hold the same power their other recent releases had.

However, in the midst of this borefest, there are some songs that are definitely must hears. Aside from the opener "In Black And White", the track "Caleb" is also an amazing song with one killer piano introduction, but, sadly, does get rather boring as well as the end. "My Dream's But A Drop of Fuel For A Nightmare" is also a song that stands out and that finally shows off the fantasy element of the band. It seems after this point of the album (roughly half way) the band finally woke up... but only for three tracks.

Sadly, with only a few songs that just sound great on this release, it's cluttered by rather slow paced, boring songs that give off a feel that the band was tired when writing new material and really didn't want to put a lot of effort into it. Comprised of a lot of simple guitar riffs and slow drum work, the only real stand out elements are the vocals some of the time, as well as the piano work which is as good as ever. It's as though this CD ws truly written... in black and white... And yes, that pun is as bad as the ending on this disc.

written by Jason Thomas Weiss

Playing time: 58.39