At last the new album from Greek power metalers INNERWISH. A band that has shown signs of maturing from album to album and also a healthy diversification. Although the elements we all loved, the power,strength, heavy metal feeling are all here, again the band decided to provide a more mature, blended final product. If you had to give a definition, to someone who has never heard of,i would describe them as the perfect mix between ELEGY,KAMELOT, RAINBOW and EARLY QUEENSRYCHE with the IRON MAIDEN, Bruce Dickinson hear beating in them..
From the majestic opening track "Forevermore" to the darker, more heavy "Sea Of Lies"with Hansi Kürsch (BLIND GUARDIAN) giving extra depth and power to the song's message about modern day refugees, the band is on fire. But what INNERWISH have achieved is shown off at "Higher" and "Breathe" along with "Once again". Songs that remain at the heavy metal stratosphere but in their heart looking to other more melodic directions,without being FM radio friendly. The work of QUEENSRYCHE at "Rage for order." is alive and breathing in these songs,where the sound colors are far more than the simple black, blue and grey of the metal palette .On the other hand you have "Soul asunder" and "Primal scream" , pure European metal anthems, made for live classic,sing alongs. You have the excellent RAINBOW inspired "The hands of Doom" with its Graig Goldie era solo, taking the leads outside the comfort zone of the twin guitar MAIDEN sound."Cretan Warriors" is among their heaviest moments, taking a bow to the US power metal scene, ARMORED SAINT, SANCTUARY.
At the end of the listening, you have an album full of power, melody, fresh ideas and not one filler or a dull moment. An album with its stand out moments who are different for the listener depending on your background. High level of musicianship, excellent production, crystal clear sound and great songwriting.
A band who had us waiting too long ,but the final result surpassed our expectations.
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