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I liked these guys' previous albums quite a bit though they had a lot of vocal problems. They had quite nice songs and quite a thearical bent which was quite cool, but the vocals were sometimes not good. Well now they have no vocal problems at all! They have got the cool vocals of Apollo and Henrik Flyman does his guitar acrobatics and we have a very decent offering for fans of melodic heavy metal with a heavy dose of drama and theatre. The production is miles better than before to and Henrik has written his best songs yet. Must mention again the sound. Incredicble seperation between the instruments and a HUGE guitar sound. Really top notch - well done Henrik and co for getting a sound like this.

What can i say about Apollo. The man is sure making a big splash in power/melodic metal circles these days. His voice is absolutely great on this one let me tell you. Full bodied and manly with a very clear pronunciation just as I like it. The band has beefed up their sound somewhat and now can have wide ranging appeal to melodic metal fans. There's plenty of power and loads of melody and big choruses, majestic keys, shredding solos and fast drums mixed with slower grander parts in keeping with the band's OTT theatrical style. The band reminds me a lot of Royal Hunt with a heavier, huger production but very similar in style. Apollo is of course a more of a powerhouse than John West but the two bands walk similar musical paths. Weaving shredding melodic guitar/keys duels and a touch of melodrama is the order of the day.

Some cool songs?..well all of them are good and some are great. It could do with a few catchier refrains in my book though. It's just missing an OTT chorus or two more that sends you over the edge! But I will single out Third Act the opener which is a great start, speedy and scene setting for the rest of the album. Black Ravens Cry with it's soaring chorus is the first real corker. Descending from the grave - very Royal Hunt but heavier. Far Away is a slow mystical song that gathers pace but is not very catchy but an interesting listen that showcases the band's dramatic style. The Dark Minstrel Plays is a fast riffed melodic number with super smooth Apollo vocals and a riff that has a nice jig to it, perhaps reflecting the minstrel? A very cool theatrical song with a lot of flow again aping Royal Hunt and perhaps even Wuthering heights, Henrik's previous band. In fact Wuthering heights' fans might get some joy here, the two bands are not too dissimilar.

I'll Make You Burn is a slow crunching heavy ballad and sung with great power by Apollo, but not my fave. I prefer more upbeat tracks, but the track is very powerful indeed for a ballad and might be a grower. Under the surface of water is another heavy dark midpacer with a big chorus. Apollo really nails this one in the chorus. Bring on the World is another one of those BIG grandiose songs the band likes to do with huge heavy fastish guitars and powerhouse heavy vocals with lots of emotion and drama - a highlight! The Final Goodbye as you can guess, is the last track an is an emotional ballad. What can I say - sung brilliantly by Apollo. The song is very heavy and seems to be a great way to end this intriguing album.
8/10 from me!

[ Perpetual Motion: The Power Zone ]