Formed in 2001, this German quartet take trad 80s metal to the absolute extreme. Power metal verging on melodic thrash. Influences of Priest, Maiden and Saxon are there, without being derivative. If you want the classic rock melodies and harmonies spun on 78, and beefed up vindaloo strength, this you'll love.

Opener 'The Ancient Cries' does nod at Priest's 'Night Crawler', and 'Babylon' features some great vocal harmonies in the chorus and a great melody to the riffs. In fact if you liked Ram It Down, Painkiller and the first Ripper album, you'll love this set.

Victory's Herman Frank co-produces and guests too, while Rainer Hansel has also produced Saxon and Molly Hatchet. Pure metal through and through.

Solid guitar work through and through, and good metal vocals too.

The operatic harmonies on 'Thunders Of The Night' remind me a little of Freedom Call.

Modern power metal for the trad metal fan.

****

Review by Joe Geesin

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly