Starlight follows up 2002's consolidating release Hymn of the Master with a set of recordings that showcase a band that has found a place for itself in the early 21st Century. The previous paradigm of mixing rearranged old material with new material has been shattered, and replaced by a completely new set of compositions that represent a launching pad for the band to enter an entirely new phase of its existence. It is now more than just a conduit for Acedo's guitar epiphanies. Alchemy is performed everywhere, from the dazzling undulations and North African atmospheres of the opening instrumental 'Jewel of the Seven Stars', to the stygian jazz-metal of 'Loki's Monstrous Brood' and 'The Lycian' to the pyramid moonshadows of the cross-cultural 'Arabic Satori' (added intrigue given via Joseph Graves' stream-of-consciousness intonations over the top of it all), to the exquisite classical guitar piece 'Tralaine'. And for perhaps the first time, really successful vocals are added to the dynamic instrumental work. Eric Johnson's vocals make sure that the pop credentials of 'I Am I Was' are such that in a sane world it should be a hit single and he lists 'Sunbeam Angel' to another realm, and Jesus Acedo gives you a clear idea of some of the places he's been on the stormy 'Angel of Light'. Needless to say, there is extraordinary instrumental work everywhere, not just by Acedo, but also by Duane Norman on guitar and many other things, Brian Maloney on sax, Eric Johnson on bass and keys, and the appropriately named Otto Terrorist on percussion.