REVIEW OF THE ALBUM UNSTOPPABLE BY STEEL RAISER

Steel Raiser is a power heavy metal band from Italy founded in 2006 and releasing one demo and three full lengths to date, Race of steel (2008), Regeneration (2013) and Unstoppable (june 2015) with Iron Shield Records.

Steel raiser is feed from the flames of 80s speed metal strength and 90s power metal melodies, they got very much a combination of influences from Judas Priest, Gamma Ray and Grave Digger; impulsive speed metal always perfectly melted with strong German true metal, guitars are forceful using lots of palm muted patterns as the drums in general work awesomely well in harmony with the rest of instrumental, but the key point of this band is the vocalist, the vocal range is immense, from low sharp with hints of Udo style through clean mid pitched sides on the melodic power metal style, and surprising the listener with sharp high pitched screams on the Halford line that will blow out your mind.

The album begins straight with a fast paced and headbanging tune, really well done on the verses, as the word Inexorable in the chorus will bring your fists up in the air, truly one of the highlights of the band's sound, as Decapitator explodes with chorus as intro, mid to fast paced shot on the strategy line of German metal style, remembering Grave Digger moments, as they use an addictive chorus really effectively.

Fast as the light continues the metal madness as they develop interesting power metal melodies with a remarkable job on the vocal performance, clean and sharp changing constantly, creating a melodic chorus, long and effective; as one of the best tracks begin, Scent of madness, creates a really catchy riff that harmonize perfectly with the vocal performance, that in fact is the best of the album, developing melodic clean parts and evolving to a sharp and very well played theatrical sections to create another effective chorus, all adorned with synth violins, masterpiece guys!

Continuing with the same strategy, Dreaming of you kicks in with nice palm muted riffs and potent vocals that mixes with falsetto parts forging a dark atmosphere, following the power metal based chorus patterns, and continuing the action with Thousand blades, with airs of US metal in every note, epic and headbanging track from the first second.

Unstoppable takes out the fury, Judas priest style, to develop aggressive verses and a long restless chorus, guitars are powerful and so the whole track, continuing with another catchy shot Mole breaker, mixing grave digger and Wasp, really the chorus reminds me to Battlecruiser, but all on all another top shot from Steel Raiser, with probably the most addictive chorus of the band, following a simple and effective formula, Mole breaker!!

The last tears is a mid tempo ballad that introduces clear patterns from gothic sounds, on the vocal vibrato and also on melodies, giving a power -gothic metal touch, and finally the last track is the second version of Scent of madness, which is the same excellent song we listened before but with a change in the solo, the bassist come into scene to perform a more than prodigious bass solo, outstanding in every note.

Steel raiser new album is forged from the true metal and is gonna keep you banging your head from the beginning, compositions are rich and different in every song which is something great because many bands use to keep a formula in every song but Steel Raiser managed to give a different touch in every track of the album, taking influences from priest to maiden and gamma ray, jag panzer or accept, Steel Raiser are back more solid and stronger than before, with an excellent production for what can be one of the best albums of this year.

8,5 / 10

Line up

Salvo Pizzimento Bass

Gianluca Rossi Bass, Guitars

Antonio Portale Drums

Giuseppe Seminara Guitars

Alfonso Giordano Vocals

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REVIEW OF THE ALBUM WWIII BY LETHAL SAINT

Lethal saint was formed in 2006 in Cyprus, releasing their first album in 2010 and signing with Pure Steel Records releasing their second shot called WWIII last 20th march of 2015.

The band heralds the classic heavy metal combined with sophisticated structures, taken from drippings of thrash and power, creating modern tunes but also keeping the essence of what true metal is about.

The album opens with the intro the curse, leading to Merciless Decay, as a mid tempo pure heavy metal shot with changes of pulse in the chorus and good influences from Judas Priest, as a virtuous drumbeats with double pedal introduces the listener to Prophecy of war, going increscendo forging a really good chorus, the vocals works excellent as the sharp angry style explodes in high pitched moments, also guitars draws well performed parts.

Chaos rising keep the same strategy used previously but creating really intense sections and interesting changes of rhythm, definitely one of the highlights of the album, linked with Order to Defend, where the listener is witness of one of the best performed vocal parts of the album, the interpretation of the highs and lows, is just outstanding, great one!

Next in line is by my point of view one of the best songs of the band, after the intro Omen with the dark atmospheric melodies, Thorns of existence explodes in a true metal bomb, headbanging as hell, mid fast paced song with high pitched parts on vocals, the chorus is astonishing, with good details on the background guitars and even growling vocal details at the end; as The Alliance kicks in, remembering some Judas priest tunes, the ascending intensity is remarkable, leading to a well created chorus, but nothing much more special.

The headbanging moments come back with the fast paced Ascend to power, the structure is similar in essence, adding good power metal drippings and awesome drums and guitar solo performance; improving in the next shot, mid paced intense anthem, Spoils of the past, with good harmony on the instrumental and well performance on the bass parts; to finalise with the tittle track WWIII, probably one of their best shots and very much influenced by Grave Digger style, very straight chorus that make the listener to sing-along, guitar are also strongly played, forceful voice also outstandingly performed.

Lethal Saint forged a really high quality album, the production is clean and well finished, song creations are remarkable but very similar compositions can make it a bit of a run of the mill feeling, but to say the truth, the band created some gems to be remembered, highlights like Thorns of existence and WWIII are top shots; Lethal saint are here to stay!

7,5  / 10

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Line Up

Christis Isseyegh Drums

Chris Papadopoullos Guitars

Andreas Kasapis Guitars, Bass

Andreas Pugioukas Vocals

Christoforos Gavriel Guitars

Release by Pure Steel Records

Review by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW OF THE EP LAND OF OLD BY ELDERTALE

Eldertale is a melodic folk metal band from Ukraine formed in 2005 but being more active since 2012, releasing their first EP in June 2014, they deliver a pure folk pagan metal, adding some neoclassical drippings and powerful moments, creating in general rich structures in terms of composition as melodic instrumentals and growling vocals are the common strategy for this headbanging EP.

The band break the ice with Exile, as the choirs mark the powerful entry of complex drumbeats and melodic background with an excellent composition on the verses, really intense and good crescendo part at the end; this track defines perfectly the band's sound.

Land of Old might be one of the best tracks of this style I've ever listened, it starts with an instrumental orchestrated melody, the composition is outstanding. Then this intense shot goes increscendo, adding army marching rhythms on drums, to literally explode in a headbanging anthem, vocals and instrumental are in perfect harmony and the transitions between changes virtuously made, the lyrics also are powerful and the melodic growling voice are the best in the EP, also remarkable rhythms on the drums with drippings of power, thrash and death metal, bass is also excellent on the solo; the perfect highlight of what this band is capable of.

Finally the EP closes with Time of ancient, mid tempo traditional folk pagan metal, as seen on the rest of the material, this track follows the path of adding melodic power metal structures, piano and orchestrated parts are, again, amazingly well composed.

Eldertale first EP got a crystal clear production, it's headbanging from start to finish, the compositions are sophisticated including catchy melodies and awesome orchestrated parts, drums should have more presence next time, but the final result is overwhelming, just can't wait for the full length!

9 / 10

Line up 

Alexander Desyatnichenko Drums

Eugene Belozertsev Guitars, balalaika

Josh O.Berg Keyboards, choirs

Kirya Vocals, guitars, bass, choirs

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Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM ELDERSLIED BY INCURSED

Incursed is an epic folk metal band formed in 2007 in Bilbao, Spain. The band released three full lengths, debuting in 2009 with Morituri and followed by a great title called Fimbulwinter in 2012; then two years later, last december 2014, Incursed released their last and best album up to date, Elderslied.

Incursed style comes from the melodic pagan and folk sounds in its essence, using orchestrated parts all over and developing really intense epic power metal compositions with instrumentally complicated structures,the vocal parts swaps from clean melodic style to growling sections; got influences from bands like ensiferum or Caladmor, guitars deliver the powerful melodies with technical sections brilliantly combined with sophisticated drums.

Song of the ancient takes us to this melodic folk metal journey, as an orchestrated instrumental intro that evolves metalized in Heart of yggdrasil, being a perfect highlight of the band's style, remarkable compositions on the verses and powerful chorus made with clean vocals, following the act with the acoustic notes of Raging wyverns, soon to be epically transformed in a highly intense slow-mid tempo anthem highly accelerated at some parts.

The wild hunt heralds one of the best riffs of the album, with a remarkable job on the vocals, going high pitched growing and clean style on the chorus, amazing also on the double pedal drums and followed by Beer bloodbath, forging another catchy melodic riff of those of headbanging and moshpiting, awesome job at the end with the in-crescendo rhythmical bomb leading to Tidal waves, good riffs and headbanging pace in growling vocals, followed by Jötnar, with ascending composition, adding nice violin background melodies in one of the best created songs of the band, theatrically brilliant.

After the instrumental interlude of A fateful glare, the action literally explodes with Lady Frost, another lesson of the band's sound in full power, fast paced headbanging bomb with breathtaking compositions on the verses and melodic chorus, the guitar performance is remarkable combined with the keyboard solo, followed by The undying flame, forging some classic folk melodies, in an intense slow mid tempo ballad of well performed growling vocals and clean styled chorus.

The classic opera tunes of Sauren Lurraldea are suddenly boosted with symphonic power metal soul, good rhythm changes and beautiful melodies, with good details on the background keyboard as the next track kicks in, One among a million, increscendo patterns with good harmony on the instrumentals, excellent details on the drum performance and really intense vocal sections, following the same good strategies used previously, finalising with an astonishing ending.

Promise of hope gives the final touch to the album in a instrumental melodic anthem, including orchestrated sections and choir backgrounds crafted at perfection, simply epic.

Incursed really worked hard to create an excellent album, Elderslied is sophisticated and perfect instrumentally, combining very well folk and pagan with power metal including symphonic, neoclassical drippings and also death metal shots, really well elaborated album that, without innovating, will be one of the best of the year on their genre.

8,5 / 10

Line up

Juan Sampedro Bass

Narot Santos Vocals, Guitars (rhythm)

Jon Koldo Tera Keyboards, Vocals (backing)

Asier Fernández Guitars (lead)

Asier Amo Drums

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REVIEW OF THE ALBUM PULSES OF PLEASURE BY EVIL INVADERS (28/2/15)

Evil invaders are coming back with their debut album Pulses of pleasure, available in march, and I can say now that I had the chance to analyse it on detail, this album just improved what I was expecting from these guys! The speed thrash metal developed on their first EP (check the review here) has evolved to a more genuine speed metal, aggressive In every single note; Evil Invaders built their unique sound from two pillars, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, adding to the mixture a combination of the most violent sides of Razor meeting Venom on one hand and Agent Steel meeting the walls of Jericho from Helloween on the other, literally creating a wild beast ready to break your necks.

The album starts with fast, loud and rude, remembering the first notes of Driving fast, after the first awesome growling to high pitched scream, the headbanging action explodes in a pure speed metal shot, excellent chorus with good details on the drums, and thrashy elements on the vocals, also remarkable job on the guitars solo, continuing with the tittle track Pulses of pleasure,a violent speed metal attack ignited by a memorable vocal intro, chorus is outstanding and powerful and also the vocal qualities changing from growling to sharp high pitched screams are incredible, being one of the keys of the success of Evil invaders.

Eclipse of mind continues the restless headbanging act with a crescendo structure and details of Oliver magnum and Judas priest, good drum technique and guitar details, leading to Siren also ascends in intensity to a galloping mid fast tempo shot with good theatrical details on the vocals.

The second half of the album improves what we have seen of the band up to date, Stairway to insanity heralds a powerful melodic speed metal with influences of Iron Maiden meeting Skull Fist, the composition of this track is awesome, even some parts of the guitar and fast paced rhythms reminds the listener to the best times of Agent Steel, being a good highlight of the album and continued by another top track, Shot to paradise, exploding with addictive headbanging riffs and leaded by the best vocal parts of the album, the violent attitude on the style and every sound this guy can develop is outstanding, continuing without a break with Venom, exceeding the expectatives once again with a good technical track with great harmony on the instrumentals and a really catchy chorus.

But the speed metal feast isn't finished yet, the last and best track of the band follows after the intro Blinded, Master of Illusion encapsulate everything the band have developed, the impulsive aggressive style melted with melodic guitars and the best chorus that will make you scream master of illusion fist in the air to play it all again.

Overall Pulses of pleasures is by far the best album I've listened in long time, it has all ingredients to take you to the mosh pit, its aggressive in every sense combining the most impulsive sounds from the power, speed and thrash metal, forging an unique sound that the listener will recognise as Evil Invaders sign once this album sees the light; it's also technical, contains catchy and addictive elements denoting a wild attitude at the same time, note that tracks like Fast, loud and rude, Shot to paradise and Master of illusion will be classics with the time, from my side, Pulses of pleasure is a true metal masterpiece.

9,5 / 10

Joe - Vocals / Guitars

Sam Lemmens - Lead guitars

Senne Jacobs - Drums

Max Mayhem - Bass

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REVIEW OF THE ALBUM RAPTURE AND WRATH BY TRAUMA (27/02/15)

Trauma is a power speed metal band from San Francisco formed in 1981 being well known being Cliff Burton in the band before joining Metallica; Trauma released one album in 1984, Scratch and scream, and then split to be reformed in 2013.

Now Trauma is back! And the imminent album Rapture and wrath is coming the next 27th February 2015 (pure steel records) as a full demonstration of renovated energies since their last work 30 years ago, US pure heavy metal with bay area influences and drippings of Dio meeting Iron Maiden, they were considered into speed metal before but in this album the rhythms are predominantly slow mixed with mid to fast tempo, so heavy - power metal could be the band style precisely, add the exceptional quality of the vocals, high pitched and clean techniques denoting also excellent theatrical parts, and guitars are sharp and well harmonised with drums and bass, showing some technical sections here and there.

Heart of stone Opens the album, and what a song! Fast paced true metal in every chord, one of the highlights of the album that will make you bang your head right away, remarkable chorus with long vocal notes under the speed pounding drumbeats, followed by When I die, as another mid fast injection of heavy metal with drippings of us epic metal, good contrast between verses and bridge and truly intense chorus, vocal parts are great and reminds some Bruce Dickinson influence mostly in the chorus.

The long way home is created as a mid tempo ballad, with a well composed ascending structure that make it really intense, as the dark melodies of Pain start, with a slow to mid paced shot of doom metal influences with Judas Priest memories on the guitar notes, the changes of rhythms are great on the instrumental galloping sounds and the vocal lows and highs.

The walking dead also reminds the dark side of the band as they forge pure doom melodies and transform it in another classic heavy metal mid tempo chorus, as Kingdom come explodes in one of the best tracks of the album, the vocal interpretation is exceptional as the intensity goes and comes from verses to bridge and chorus continuing with Egypt as a good track with oriental drippings on the vocal parts and strong riffs, awesome composition accelerated by the next shot, Under the lights, speed heavy metal with US metal melodies creating awesome rhythm changes that will make you bang your head following the action to Don't tread on me, one of the best interpreted tracks of the album, the vocal parts and guitar melodies herald also hard rock influences, as the last track, Too Late bangs with strong and heavy mid fast tempo riffs, with good details on the guitar backgrounds and drum performance.

Trauma are reborn in this album denoting a young feeling energy in every song, some of them are brilliant, heart of stone and when I die definitely are the best cuts of the band, losing grip as the album continues but catching the listener attention at the end with good theatrical interpretations and excellent compositions.

Overall Trauma forged a good album, not at the level of other young bands of the NWOTHM but as a return from the darkness, it's an excellent point of entry.

7,5 / 10

Line up

Donny Hillier Vocals 

Kris Gustofson Drums 

Kurt Fry Guitars 

Steve Robello Bass

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Release by Pure Steel Records

Review by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM STARS ALIGNED BY STARGAZERY (23/01/15)

Stargazery is a power metal band from Finland formed in 2005 and releasing their first album in 2011 (Eyes on the sky) and due to release their new album Stars aligned the next 23rd of January 2015.

Stargazery style comes from the melodic 90s power metal with drippings of hard rockish elements, creating anthems with very catchy choruses generally, the voice acts very effective theatrically speaking, with melodic and clean style, backed by sharp guitars, strong drumbeats and keyboards, being the essential sound of the band.

The album starts with Voodoo, being straight away one of the highlights of the band style, as a mid tempo epic shot, it got interesting elements, like the bridge before the solo, where vocals and keyboards make an excellent job; following with Angel of the dawn, slower pace but more powerful in terms of melodic structure with remarkable teamwork between guitars an vocals.

Missed the train to paradise is another great example of pure power metal, with an in crescendo structure to one of the best and most epic choruses of the band, the guitar performance brings memories of Queensrÿche style and the general composition is awesome, one of the best of the album, continued by Invisible, mid and slow shot of low pitched vocal and rhythms changes to get an ascending pattern leading to a good chorus, nothing special apart from the vocal evolution and the keyboard play.

Absolution continues the power metal path, taking some Edguy style on the melodies, comprising awesome guitar riffs and another top chorus to be singed along, the vocal high pitched play is excellent, creating a perfect harmony with the rest of the band, also perfect in the next track Academy of love, ballad of the album being transformed beautifully in another mid tempo powerful chorus, great the progression here and the play of guitar solo and piano.

Painted into a corner starts with a really impressive vocal clean shot in a mid tempo melodic heavy metal in crescendo track, outstanding the keyboard performance and the composition, like Dim the halo, with another catchy chorus.

Bring me the night heralds another good combination between leading melodic vocals and guitar, backed by symphonic keyboards elements, as we continue to the end of the album, the performance of the band improves in every track, being the time of Hiding, with one of the best increscendo mid tempo ballad, including the best vocal interpretation, demonstrating the good qualities of the vocalist, as the Warrior's Inn kicks in with an awesome guitar riff and catchy combination of voice and keyboards melodies, forging an epic chorus that leads to the last and best track of the album.

Dark Lady is the last in line, and despite the fact that is a cover, this is one of the best shots and a gem of the genre, developed in English and another version in Finnish as a bonus track, develops a truly addictive pace and riffs, under the violin melodies ascending to a marvellous chorus, of those to be played again and again, definitely better than the original where every member nail it.

Overall, this album is in general an excellent job by Stargazery, taking the best elements of the old school melodic power of the 90s, creating memorable songs like the highlights Voodoo, Dim the Halo, Dark Lady or Missed the train to paradise; being able to create addictive choruses in almost all the tracks is a really good point, also most of the tracks have mid tempo rhythms being the only thing that could be improved in terms of composition variety, but the general impression is that we are listening to an awesome album that demonstrate that Stargazery worked hard and succeeded with Stars aligned.

8 / 10

Line up
Jukka Jokikokko Bass, Vocals (backing) 
Pete Ahonen Guitars, Vocals (backing)
Marco Sneck Keyboards
Jari Tiura Vocals
Jussi Ontero Drums

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Release by Pure Steel Records

Review by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM "FACING THE FALLOUT" BY SHADOWBANE (16/1/2015)

Shadowbane is a power metal band from Germany formed in 2007 and releasing only their demo Dystopia independently in 2010,becoming a really promising band, and now ready to conquer Europe with their upcoming album Facing the Fallout, due to be release next 16th of January of 2015 via Pure Steel Records.

Shadowbane breath from the flames of the authentic heavy-speed metal mixing German and US power metal effectively, having similarities with bands like Accept, Helloween or Grave digger combined with epic Manilla Road or Queensrÿche, high pitched clean and sharp vocals, contrasting melody and powerful choruses with technical guitar riffs and fast pounding drumbeats.

The album opens with the Red alert instrumental apocalyptic shot linked to Beyond the winds of war, powerful heavy start on the line of Accept including palm muted and galloping riffs, changes of pace and good drum performances, but being eclipsed by Traitor, one of their best tracks, including some outstanding riffs and shreddings (remember the Spanish power metal band Avalanch riffs?) headbanging as hell with an excellent structure, better chorus, and remarkable guitar performance.

Under bleeding skies evolves in a straight high speed heavy metal shot with memories of Judas Priest, very well composed on the bridge and the slow paced chorus, special mention to the vocal work on the clean and sharp styles combining aggressive and melodic sections really well; continued by After the fallout, comprising a mid fast tempo pattern of pure US power metal, amazingly well composed and headbanging and coming back to the German Grave digger influence with Dystopia, totally addictive riffs and chorus, forging a memorable bridge.

Tears down the wall explodes like an authentic speed metal track with melodic power metal added to the mixture, the clean vocals are amazing here as the progression with the guitar shredding and the emphasizing drums create and endless headbanging anthem, linked with another highlight of the band style, Badlands law, mid fast shot with a chorus to be shouted on the gigs, drum and guitar structure reminding to the ram it down era of Judas Priest but keeping the powerful sign of the band.

Last division take the Teutonic riff style and mix it with the US power melodies to create a true masterpiece of sophisticated drum shots, epic guitar performances and outstanding bridge and chorus, to finalise with Source of Grief, accelerating the metal machine to a high speed pace; this last bomb combines very well the elements that Shadowbane have used before,rhythms changes, aggressive and frenetic powerful in crescendo verses that make you break your necks in a breathtaking pulse.

Shadowbane managed a really professional production forging an excellent work in every aspect, the album contains masterpieces like Traitor, Last Division or Source of grief being highlights of the album. Shadowbane will step forward to the top of the true power metal scene with Facing the Fallout.

9 / 10

Shadowbane line up
Stefan - vocals

 Lukas - lead- and rhythm-guitars 

Markus - lead- and rhythm-guitars 

Moritz - bass and backing vocals 

Renè - drums 

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Release by Pure Steel Records

Review by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM CRAWLING OUT OF HELL BY FALLEN ANGEL

Fallen Angel is a power metal band formed in 1983 in New York, releasing their first demo in 1985 and split-up in 1986, being in the shadows until they reunited in 2009, working hard to create their first album Crawling out of hell, first part of three in a conceptual epic saga, followed by the trilogy of fictional novels written by the guitarist John Cruppe. This first album didn't have a major impact when it came to light in 2010, but now in 2014, it has been re-released via Killer Metal Records, bringing this album to light to the main metal scene. The second part is coming, under the name Cast out of heaven.

Fallen angel is inspired by the late 80s and early 90s heavy metal combining power metal and speed metal creating sophisticated compositions , introducing a mid to high pitched raw vocal style, on the line of bands like Warrant, Halford or Exciter. Guitars bring melodies from US power metal including the epic side to the mixture as the drums follow effectively the pace of the band, enriching the sound with excellent technical performances.

The album is completed with twenty tracks, six of them are instrumental introductions developed almost without breaks between the songs, as a concept album; the atmosphere of the winds of Crash to Oblivion take you inside the world of Fallen Angel as the thunder roars to Sinner's vengeance, straight and heavy speed metal bomb that will make you bang your heads with one of the best songs from the band, remarkable job on the drums details and the powerful voice, continuing with the troops marching of March into hell leading to Blood on my soul as a mid tempo US power metal, with a real forceful sound and Halford-like vocal screams.

The grinding wheels of war continues the epic sound to introduce The reapers shall Gather, another highlight for the album, a piece of pure heavy metal with an outstanding high pitched vocals, giving it all and creating a real piece of true metal with excellent chorus to be played again and again.

Arrival raises the dark evil feeling to the battle as the Dark Lord come to scene, with another astonishing speed metal furious style, totally neck breaking on the verses and mid tempo catchy chorus as the Darkness reigns in a mid paced shot, with powerful melodies on the vocal line, showing mid to high sharp screams and progressive instrumental with galloping patterns.

The one who walks alone, with a dark feeling to start, evolves in a mid tempo melodic shot with progressive drippings on the instrumentals, not as aggressive as previous tracks but perfect on vocal performance,continued by the ballad The answer, ascending in intensity from the acoustic to the melodic chorus with influences from Queensrÿche.

The cold orchestrated introduction Respiration Desperation leads to another mid tempo US power metal, The neutral zone, with headbanging force and galloping chorus and drippings of Mercyful fate and Judas Priest as Life or death acoustic notes start exploding in a mid fast shot of pure heavy metal, with really good job on the drum performance and addictive chorus in one of the best vocal combination of styles.

On and on is a slow to mid paced shot, pure strong, powerful heavy metal of those that make you bang your head under an ascending epic feeling, remarkable the clean vocal technique; as Ashes to ashes whispers introduces you to the ballad Leaving all behind, another Queensrÿche style ballad, in crescendo and really intense and well forged, specially in the second half, memorable melodies and perfect creation even reminding the Dio and Iron maiden influences.

Watching mid tempo heralds a good quality on technique and powerful structure, the vocal melodies reminded me to Oliver Magnum on the verses, so good performance linked with Sad wings, ballad with acoustic start and ascending to another intense, amazingly epic anthem to finalize with Grant me Peace, combining the power metal with the aggression of Judas Priest, bringing to light one of the best bridges and most forceful chorus, completing the first part of Fallen Angel's concept works.

This is the result of a really hard work, reflecting a gigantic production That not only will make you bang your head, Fallen Angel are introducing the listener to an epic adventure story that will catch you from the beginning. Looking the album as a whole play, I can Say they forged a masterpiece of authentic heavy metal, introducing speed, power and classic heavy metal defining the true metal in every sense.

9 / 10

Line up

Steve Seniuk (vocals)

John Cruppe (guitar, keyboards)

Robb Lotta (guitar)

Joe Surace (bass)

Frankie Quaggs (drums)

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Release by Killer Metal Records

Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM WARRIORS BY WRETCH (5/12/14)

Wretch is a US power metal band from Ohio, USA, formed in 1983 and releasing only a demo in 1989 called Rise to power, and taking a long lull until 2004, releasing a promo of their new material and bringing a full length two years later called Reborn. After a compilation and the new EP Rise to power where the band re-recorded key tracks from their career like the tittle one, the band was ready to develop what is gonna be their second album, under the name of Warrior, coming next 5th of December via Pure Steel Records.

Wretch comprises a genuine power metal made in the US, bringing the epic melodies to the top and main element, where intensity is used very effectively creating headbanging moments where fans of Manilla Road, Metal Inquisitor or even Glacier will just become legion right away.

Vocals are clean and purely epic on melodies on the line of the above mentioned bands as guitars relay on basic and impulsive elements combined with technical drumbeats; into madness opens as instrumental intro to Sleepless nights, rising the mid tempo epic metal to a head banging true metal anthem, remarkable drum parts and vocal interpretation as The ones continue with an ascending structure from a bass beginning to explode in a catchy fast paced track with furious and intense vocal parts are outstanding.

Warriors, the tittle track just attack with true metal force, one of the best of the album and brilliantly structured with changes of rhythms emphasizing the powerful chorus in contrast with fast paced verses as Fallen from grace create another epic anthem, mid paced and slightly more modern melodies, equally riveting and instrumentally brilliant.

Sacrifice will be for sure the best track of the band as its catchy from the beginning, keeping the epic power ascending from the first second, the highs and lows made by the vocalist is purely true metal In its essence, and also the remarkably technical guitars with the structural progression forge a forceful act as the next track All I see kicks bringing memories from the power metal made by Michael Kiske (but after his Helloween era) creating an addictive chorus and obviously enriched by the own sound from the band.

Sword and stone and Death of Innocence heralds some of the most intense and of course epic Manilla road style hits, good job between guitar riffs, solos and pounding drumbeats, being true highlights of the album and definitely defining the band's sound.

If The galloping riffs and mid paced rhythm of Never Again bring you more fuel to the fire, the top shot of Watching the world will literally explode in your brain, comprising a headbanging and powerful compositions.

Then its time for the ballad In those eyes, acoustic from the beginning to the end and made with excellent melodies but lacking from the potency it could have had if electric guitars come

into action, however the guitars are excellent creating a perfect harmony with the vocal performance.

Rain bring back the furious epic style for the last time, with an outstanding performance on the drums and axes, on the average quality of the rest of The album, which is great.

Wretch worked hard for an excellent album, that bring the epic side of true metal as their main flag, the best are the great compositions, forging memorable songs that will pass the test of time; even though might not be album of the year, these guys will make you bang your head and scream with the fist in the air under a world of warriors, battles and steel.

8/10

Ron Emig – vocals 
Michael Stephenson – guitars  
Nick Giannakos – guitars 
Tim Frederick – bass 
Evan Gottschalk – drums 

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Reverbnation

Release by Pure Steel Records

Review by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB