Well the changing of the guard has taken place for WIZARDS’ HYMN. New vocalist YuSa took over the lead spot from Kimiko Shirao last year and the band has regrouped and has just released their new CD “Transience”.

As our first endeavor with WIZARDS’ HYMN took place years ago in 2004 with their independent demo “The Call From the Unknown”. This demo didn’t forecast a bright future for WIZARDS’ HYMN . As their first full-length release Hymnal hit the market in 2006, they started on their upswing and things were looking up. Now back in 2008 with a new vocalist YuSa and the new CD “Transience” they can climb the mountain to success.

Well, to tell you the truth the first time I listened to the CD, I was very disappointed, not with the music but the vocals. YuSa is more of an opera singer then rock vocalist and basically is drowned out throughout most of the release. Her vocals are to high pitched and do not fit the elements of WIZARDS’ HYMN . Tsutomu Aruga and the rest of the boys are on their game but YuSa is a let down. She seems off key and will set the band a few rows.

Check track two “King And Servant”, it starts off killer but once the vocals come into play it like listening to a warped record, listen for yourself YuSa can’t hold a note. I had high expectations for WIZARDS’ HYMN but this is sad. I have no idea why Kimiko Shirao left or was removed but this is a downfall for the band.

Like I said the music is still superior and the musicianship is phenomenal, check out “Wake In Dreamland”, just amazing. I have to admit YuSa does do a pretty good job on this track. The star in the band has to be the magical guitarist Tsutomu Aruga the guy is over the top and the key work by Junichi Ohtsuka is simply amazing.

Check out “The Trace” phenomenal music right? What happens to you when YuSa starts singing, do you see the dying fish just floundering? Well, I do. I hope on the next release WIZARDS’ HYMN can make the adjustment and rise once again. I’m still a big fan of Tsutomu Aruga!