Axxis - Paradise In Flames (2006)

After a bit of a mediocre patch, Axxis come roaring back to life with this album, which dabbles with symphonic elements not heard by the band before, as well as including female vocals from someone known as Lakonia, whom I am not familiar with.
In truth, it's nothing brilliant. But then, Axxis, never have been brilliant.  Bernhard Weiß still sings like Bob Dylan on helium, and the songs are mostly perfunctionary. But there's a vibrancy to the playing that is infectious, helping to make this one of the band's best releases.

***1/2