By: Anders

Posted: Aug 9, 2005

This is the second album Casus Belli, which is fronted by singer Panos Dedes, who is said to be one of the close runners-up to Tim "Ripper" Owens, when he secured the place as the singer of Judas Priest. The man can sing no doubt about that, powerful, melodious and very emotive.

Musically the band delivers power metal, with some progressive parts. The guitar play is over the top really good. Decent, not too exciting basic riffs, even though there is some good shredding once in a while. The leads are blistering and the solos even better. The guitarist Pantos Arvanitis is also being called the new Gus G. The rhythm section is tight and is galloping over the fields. There are some good details and breaks from the drums.

The music is built up around the vocals, and that is mostly fine. There are also parts with wanking as the great solo 'Eastern Dance'. Though once in a while one looses attention on the music, it gets too nice, looses the edge and fades in the background. The compositions are great and offers lots of great vocals and music. Though I miss some hooks and catchy parts, that'll catch my ear and keep it focused. Maybe next time and if so, a top album will be born.

For fans of progressive power metal and great vocals, who can keep their focus on the music, even though there isn't many hooks etc, this is a killer album. For the rest of us, a listen once in a while and a track here and there is good. But the whole album in one stretch gets too tough.

Rating: 6/10

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