At last a power metal album that sticks head above the plethora of the ordinary.

Hailing from Greece, this is raw, it is rough'n'ready, but melodic and anthemic power metal too.

The opening track 'We Won't Fail' has hints of Judas Priest, Dio and Manowar, a solid chunky riff and a good tempo that keeps you nodding. 'Theatre Of Pain' kicks off in anthemic fashion, while retaining the roughness (not quite the finesse of Freedom Call or Rhapsody but a nod to them).

During the smoother parts, the album features quite big vocals, and the title track features a long atmospheric keyboard intro. Swirling keyboard and guitar runs build to a solid powerful metal track that is very heavy. Contrast with 'Planet Metal' that is power metal that verges on trad thrash.

The surprise is the last (bonus) track - a cover of 80s pop track 'Holding Out For A Hero'. This is the band at their most melodic, the keyboards and guitar mix well. A lot of fun.

If you like power metal you'll love this.

****

Review by Joe Geesin

www.joegeesin.com