Intense return with their second full album and a new record label with Threshold's Karl Groom and Richard West helping out on production duties (West also tinkles the ivories when needed on the album as well).

The opening trio of 'Anger Of The Ancients', 'Mirror Shroud' and the title track blast out of the speakers highlighting all that is great about this band - powerhouse drums (special mention to Neil Ablard who doesn't overuse the bass drum pedal like some metal bands and keeps a very tight sound), driving rhythm guitar, well crafted guitar solos and the powerful vocals of Sean Hetherington.

They really do beat recent Iron Maiden output hands down for me. 'Temptress' is the only song on here that hasn't quite hit the spot for me but doubtless it will!

The three part 'Chronicles Of The New Flesh' really sees the band expanding their sound, from the almost Rush like 'Trojan Transmission', the semi-acoustic 'Strange New World' and the final part 'Long Live The New Flesh', which closes the album in true metal style.

A step up both production and song wise since 2004's 'Second Sight', this new album will not only win them new fans I am sure but puts more established bands into the shade. The power metal genre is growing, especially here in the UK and Intense should rightly ride the wave of success.

****½

Review by Jason Ritchie

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