I was not sure what to expect from Karelia’s new release, which due out in stores on May 30th, 2005. As I listen from track to track this is an amazing release. Vocally Matthieu Kleiber shines; Erwin Morice guitar work is outstanding, Loïc Jenn drumming is superb, Bertrand Maiillot keyboards are heavenly, and Gilles Thiebaut does an excellent job on bass. “Raise,” the first track on the CD, is slow paced with choir-like background vocals. “Child Has Gone” has the feeling of KAMELOT until the keyboards enter. This is an outstanding track. with orchestral parts liek in the other songs but this one contains even more instruments

This is my first time hearing Karelia. All aspects of the music are mesmerizing. Arrangement are top notch, lyric’s are over the top. What a CD!!! “The Hermit” I felt like I was reaching the promise land. “Unbreakable Cordon” is a melodic ballad - come on... get those lighters out - FANTASTIC!

There is not much I can say about “Raise” except that it is phenomenal! From track one to ten, it was a true pleasure to listen to. If you’re a Power Metal / Symphonic Metal fan,from banks like blind guardian, rhapsody or kamelot  make this CD a priority. The future looks bright for Karelia.

BELOW A METAL HAMMER REVIEW

Basically Karelia returns with the same formula than before, but this time they count with much more mature compositions, lyrically and in terms of songwriting.
The band relies on mid-paced songs and grand choirs to add a dramatic element to their music, please note that the use of the choirs is very scarce and you won't find choirs every damn chorus like Rhapsody or any other Hollywood Metal outfit.with amazing orchestral parts one of the must great realeases this month

9.5/10