Legends of Arahma | Album Review

Legends of Arahma is a fantasy musical concept album with book by Dries Janssens and is composed by Joseph Purdue with lyrics written by both Purdue and Janssens. Featuring an array of performers, most notably Kerry Ellis as one of the lead characters, the soundtrack is in excellent hands with a vastly talented cast. The soundtrack is nothing short of epic and instantly captivating, with a story world and characters that draws listeners in, beautiful lyrics and goosebump-raising music. 

The musical explores the rivalry between Zoran (Kerry Ellis) as she rages war to avenge her daughter, Namira (Sophie-Rose Middleton) and the hidden and peaceful kingdom of Arahma. Unsuspecting young Copernicus (Tom Hier) becomes the hero of a foretold prophecy and sets out to finish what his father Ozhar (Matt Blaker) started. However, when Akassa is revealed to be alive and torn between her morals and her loyalty to her mother, the journey becomes more twisted, creating a heroic journey for the ages. The book, by Janssens, easily translates across mediums and calls to be adapted for screen, page and stage alike. 

Despite being a concept album, the story world is detailed, allowing for eager listeners to dive into a mythical world. The story, although based heavily in fantasy, brings out the best of this genre with clear agendas, high stakes, friendship, loyalty and betrayal, and a book that would doubtlessly please musical theatre and book lovers alike. The story world, although laboriously detailed by the two writers, is easy to follow through the songs, with heavy emphasis on the emotional and metaphorical journey of each character as opposed to the literal one. 

The 25-song soundtrack is a magnificent stride in what musical theatre can achieve, with a cinematic soundscape that blends the fantasy with reality. The songs not only clearly help guide audiences through the story, but are individually a defining plotpoint, appearing as stand alone moments amongst the larger picture. The album becomes a story that one can't stop absorbing, with each song becoming a novel's chapter and the irresistible temptation for "just one more". This instant bingeable nature, surprisingly, isn't even the album's strongest selling point, for the songs themselves shine brightly. 

Spanning over 120 minutes, the songs not only provide invaluable context, introducing characters and specific information about the history of the world, but great sweeping musical numbers. The musical boasts of music that soars, with lyrics that lift the musical; filled with poetic verses and creative metaphors (an example of Zoran being likened to a Dragon). 

The album has several striking songs, opting for a slow burn joy rather than instant catchy hooks. However there are undeniable stand out songs, such as Ellis' big musical number Inferno that sweeps listeners away at once. Other memorable numbers, either in terms of its storytelling capabilities and musical quality are This I Vow, We Evolve, Conflicted, The Assassin and The Martyr, Forgotten Dreams, When You Stole My Heart, Ancient Curse, The Dragon Calls, The Betrayal and Battle of Fates. 

Legends of Arahma is a one of a kind concept album that is destined for great things. A brilliant partnership between musical theatre and storytelling, this is quite literally, the stuff of Legends. 

★★★★★ (5*)

Legends of Arahma is now available to stream online.