Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Retroactive Records put out this outstanding power metal album last year. It shows the New Jersey band have plenty of fire and energy to bring to the genre without showing that rare spark of genuine originality. Lead singer Ski is well known to fans of Deadly Blessing and his bombastic, high register vocals work well though sometimes teetering into Bruce Dickinson overkill. The hymn-like "Ascend Unto Heaven" packs a particular punch while overall the band play with a swagger that only top line metal professionals can convey. Not an album to reach beyond the moshpit but if you're looking for a set of traditional metal tracks which avoids the pomp of some prog, this is an album worthy of investigation.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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