Two much-anticipated albums were released by two powerhouse rock groups in recent weeks: Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Creed.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra continues to have a very diverse blend of music on Night Castle, their first release since The Lost Christmas Eve in 2004. Sticking to their guns, Night Castle features a whopping 26 songs, with a mixture of metal remixes of classical music, original songs with and without vocals, as well as a few bonus Christmas tracks. The CD also includes a 68-page storybook, like their other albums.

With almost two hours of music, there is surely something on the CD for everyone. While some of the songs with vocals are not up to par with songs from their past releases, a few, such as the 10-minute long “Epiphany” and “Sparks” are impressive. The instrumentals make up for this though, notably with the remakes of “Tocatta,” and “Overture” from the Nutcracker Suite.  Another fan favorite is “Carmina Burana”, better known as “O Fortuna”, which is sure to give you chills with its intense, war song-sound.

Musically, Trans-Siberian continues to prove that their songs are modern masterpieces. From the intricate guitar work in songs like “Tracers” and ”Mozart and Memories,” to the vast tempo changes present in nearly every song, the band displays that they are masters at their art. From a drummer’s standpoint, there were not many high points, though they do provide a very solid backbone.

Night Castle is definitely worth $14; there were enough good songs to balance out the mediocre ones, and it was thoroughly enjoyable.  However, if you haven’t purchased one of Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s albums, any of the CDs in their Christmas Trilogy would be a better place to start. Better yet, go to their concert when December rolls around next year – you won’t regret it. There were enough good songs to balance out the mediocre ones, and it was thoroughly enjoyable. 3.5/5

 Creed’s reunion album, Full Circle, is named so because of the band’s widely public break-up, which was followed by a solo album by frontman Scott Stapp, and the instrumentalists Mark Tremonti, Brian Marshall and Scott Phillips joining Myles Kennedy to form the rock band Alter Bridge. After nine years, the band has temporarily reunited – putting aside their past conflicts, to go on tour and release a final album. Full Circle has a very different feel to it than any of their previous CDs and may be the best overall effort of their career.

The CD starts heavy with their first single from the album, “Overcome.” This turned out to be one of my least favorite from this album. “Bread of Shame” is the heaviest song (if you like “Bullets,” this one is for you) and has a great guitar riff throughout. “A Thousand Faces” is probably the best song on Full Circle, with a good melody and amazing background vocals and guitar solo, both from Tremonti. “Rain,” “Away in Silence,” “Time,” and “The Song You Sing” demonstrate Creed’s softer side and are all very good songs. The title track, “Full Circle” starts off with a twangy guitar intro but, along with “Fear” and “Overcome,” didn’t really leave a lasting impression. “On My Sleeve” is another memorable melody that really grows on you.

The new Creed has some notable differences from the post-grunge-era group from a decade ago. Many of the songs have a modern rock feel, and there are several guitar solos that demonstrate Tremonti really is one of the best in the business. Stapp’s vocals have lost a bit of their edge and growl, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. There is even some double bass work on the drums, as Scott Phillips lays down solid grooves throughout all the songs. Many of the songs deal with personal struggles that Stapp and the band had, though they have universal themes. One of Creed’s main criticisms holds true at a few points in the CD, however: some of their songs song really similar.

The new Creed sounds like Alter Bridge with Scott Stapp singing – a heavy feel with more technical instrumental parts. Alter Bridge’s One Day Remains (2004) and Blackbird (2007) are truly masterpieces as well; if you like Creed or other bands like Shinedown, definitely check out Alter Bridge.

In retrospect, Full Circle has some great melodies and hooks, just as with the Creed of old and is better than ever. Though there were not any songs on the album that are more impressive than some of Creed’s classics like “My Sacrifice” or “My Own Prison,” overall, the album was more enjoyable and more technical than any of Creed’s previous albums. Though it may not win many new fans, old Creed fans will not be disappointed. 4.5/5