New album from this group that formed in the mid 90s and have been favourites at various European metal festivals ever since. The title track opens in fine form, laying down the template, taking trad metal to the extreme.

From the opening bars the sound is a mix of late 80s Anthrax and early 90s Judas Priest. A mix that works well, although it’s not quite good enough to ride the strange softer bit in the middle. The second track 'Standing Tall' is as good if not better, a nod at melodic speed metal, almost a mix of Helloween and Freedom Call. Machine gun drums and fast guitar rhythms, and the solos really stand out too.

'Where The Sadness Never Rests' has an Iron Maiden influence, when it gets going it lets rip, but does have its off moments, where it sounds a little disjointed.

This is sadly a theme that continues - some great moments, with new singer Magnus Thurin doing a good job (think Michael Kiske, Geoff Tate, Tony Martin), but the songs are not consistently fluid. A very good metal album just short of being great.

***½

Review by Joe Geesin

www.joegeesin.com