Reviewed by Ian Webber

Originally released in 2004, this was the Greek metal outfit's third full length album and heralded a more settled sound. Based squarely in a traditional power metal realm, InnerWish could quite easily have hailed from one of many Scandinavian countries with their classic hair metal credentials. You could cite many bands as an influence, but the whole package reminds me of Queensryche or Sacred Warrior with its powerful soaring vocals and melodic feel. Guitars feature heavily and although at times the fret board gymnastics threaten to reach the speed of light they never quite get there, preferring to stick to a strong pounding melody. "Far Away" is the perfect example where a melodic guitar part is underpinned by a driving bass and power chords. A more crunching and discordant feel accompanies "Bleeding Soul" which is a welcome change from the highly polished and crafted pieces that verge on the progressive. Washes of keys swirling in the background of most of the cuts smooth off any rough edges. The album is not all straight up metal and contains a couple of classic rock ballads and an epic "Gates Of Fire" which clocks in at nine minutes. Full of changes in pace and a raft of solos, it provide the basis for themes that mix spirituality with classical Greek myths. The album certainly showcases a band that has probably been overlooked and has skills that suggest they could have appealed to a wide audience. The overall sound, however, seems to me to be that of a bygone age and has therefore passed the point of mass appeal even if it has strong melodies and tight musicianship.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.