Hard to believe that brand new record from DESTINATION’S CALLING is self-financed (as well as their debut Invisible Walls from 2006, which was re-released over Silverwolf Productions 2008). Songwriting, sound and presentation including beautiful cover artwork and 16 pages booklet are absolutely professional and much better than a lot of official label releases. The quartet from South Germany decided well to manage everything on its own. Otherwise we listeners could not enjoy the eleven smashing songs which offer excellent Melodic Metal with a basis of Power Metal and bits of Prog Metal. The band surprises with compact compositions with highly melodic guitars and vocals and great arrangements. They mostly aim at the catchy refrain but fine bridges and diversified solo- and lead parts and some unexpected turns beware the music from falling into irrelevance. The feeling of the songs is just harmonious. Not only the tone is hit right but also provided with the needed emotionality. Especially highlights as Feel The Rain, Dreams Died On The Road, Walking On Thin Ice and The Way Back Home convince due to their haunting melodies. Regarding the sound End Of Time is sophisticated, nicely balanced together with the applicable power. With Sascha Paeth (i.E. Kamelot, Edguy) the band won a specialist who did the mix. An extra commendation for production and mix of the many choirs, well done!

Not to forget to mention that End Of Time is far away from cheesiness despite their three appearing ballades. Reasons are decent keyboard, no high pitch vocals and no sweet lyrics. Instead of happy melodies and opera theatrics DESTINATION’S CALLING fortunately create a melancholic or at least contemplative atmosphere. Compared to the debut the vocals became better though there is still more potential. Sometimes they could be a little bit rougher in my opinion. But that’s not a big criticism as the whole work in its entirety is absolutely great and both thumbs are up. So every Melodic Powerhead should buy this one via band’s homepage, see link above.