The power of the internet can be seen in this band as the two main players, bassist Paul Logue (Cry Havoc) and vocalist Michael Eden met via the MelodicRock.Com Noticeboard. Guitarist Thorsten Koehne (Demon Drive) Ferdy Doernberg (Axel Rudi Pell) on keyboards and drummer Pete Newdeck (Steve Grimmett Band) complete the line-up. Handling production is Pink Cream 69's Dennis Ward, currently one of the best producers out there.

So an impressive line-up but does it deliver musically? Yes indeed it does being full of melodic hard rock meets metal with one of the best ballads, 'The Voice Inside'. I just can't stop playing this little fella which is an instant classic. Michael Eden really takes centre stage on this song.

Elsewhere 'Eyes Of the World' rocks hard (Evidence One's Carsten Schulz co-wrote this one) and is a perfect example of how all the band members fit together so well, with a rock solid rhythm section, tasty guitar solos and keyboards that add to the song, rather than dominate them or are so far down in the mix you can hardly hear them. 'What Are You Waiting For' sees the band delve into darker, melodic metal territory with neat guitar riffs and a big drum sound.

Aside from the awesome ballad 'The Voice Inside', 'Fallen King' is a top draw hard rock anthem with plenty of guitar, keyboard runs and good use of harmonies on the chorus. The album closes with a cover of 'We All Die Young' from the 'Rock Star' movie. Again it shows what a powerful vocal Michael Eden has.

Eden's Curse have produced a stunning debut album that will appeal to fans of not only melodic hard rock but those who like more metal in their music. If you enjoy music by Def Leppard, Evidence One, TNT, pink Cream 69 et al then add this album to your collection ASAP. An amazingly strong debut that stands up well to repeated plays and they will have to go some to beat this on album number two but I am sure they will!

****½

Review by Jason Ritchie

Interview