This two CD set (parts 1 and 2) from Hughes incorporates the talents of a number of big-name vocalists, and covers and oft-used theme in metal--that of Camelot and King Arthur. Among the guest singers are Damien Wilson, D.C. Cooper, Bob Catley, Lana Lane, and Irene Jansen.
Hughes has a great, smooth AOR voice, and the musical feel here is a mix between prog-like metal and melodic, heavier AOR (ala Ten). The problem is that there is too much metal/AOR shifting from song to song, making it difficult to really get into a listening "comfort zone". The shifting of styles is a bit detracting, and takes away from the overall effect.
In some parts of the world this will be released as a two disc set, and in others the two parts will be sold separately. The above rating is for everything; if the ratings were split, I'd give Part One around a 7.0, and Part Two around an 8.0.
Damian Wilson is effective on "Excaliber," with "Shapeshifter" having a mystic/rocking mix to its sound. Good tracks from Part 2 include "There By the Grace of the Gods (Go I)," "Rise From the Shadows," "The Pagan Dream," and "Demon Down".
The unit's undeniable top-spot is the D.C. Cooper-sung "Kill the King," a rolling and cutting track that sounds like a mix between his Silent Force and solo material, with some Royal Hunt background melodies thrown in to boot. An excellent piece.

TRACK LIST: PART ONE--Excalibur/Dragon Island Cathedral/At the End of the Day/The Reason Why/Shapeshifter/King For a Day/Avalon/Sinner/In Flames/Lies
PART TWO--Kill the King/There By the Grace of the Gods (Go I)/I Still Love You (I Still Do)/Oceans of Tears/Rise From the Shadows/Believe Enough to Fight/The Hard Way/The Pagan Dream/Demon Down/Deius/Without You/Once and Future King