Some very loud and majestic power metal here, one thing that the Swede’s do well.

The project is the brainchild of guitarist/pianist Stefan Lindholm, and with this band you get lots of technical ability too.

A few guests aside, the majority of the vocals are strongly provided by Goran Edman.

The opening track 'Modern World' mixes bursts of harsh sounding drumming with some more fluid metal, and equally the guitar, when not riffing, mixes disjointed and anal shred with some rather smooth UJ Roth type work. The title track is more impressive with some classical guitar riffs and arpeggio runs which sound good. There are elements of Blackmore’s 'Stranger In Us All' album, with a far more metal leaning, throughout the album. Influences of Malmsteen and Vai too. Later on there’s a touch of Rush, and additional keyboards from Pontus Larsson help fill the sound well.

The guitar work on 'Venom' really stands out, and the time changes work well too.

Definitely top majestic power metal with both shred and prog touches. Well worth a listen.

****

Review by Joe Geesin

www.joegeesin.com