Their self-proclaimed “battle ostrich,” a cartoon of the big bird decked out in studs and leather, adorns the cover of the debut from this outfit of Swedish youngsters. Hardly a “must buy” advertisement, so the music best be first rate, to overcome people’s visual misgivings. Thankfully, comparisons to the twin guitars and galloping bass of IRON MAIDEN (opening ‘Purple Sky’), and to a lesser extent countrymen HAMMERFALL, as well as the high vocal register, anthemic power metal of HELLOWEEN, circa the Keeper era (‘Don’t Go Changing’ / ‘Dreamchasers’), are apt. Beginning life as a cover band, in ’08, nine originals are included here. Not a ballad in the bunch, although the initial half of the ‘Between The Devil And The Deep’ closer threatens to be one, before adopting an (blatant) epic Maiden-ish tilt for the remainder. While ‘Seventh Angel’ utilizes keyboards, come the repeated, concluding chorus, it also features the most extensive guitar/instrumental section. ‘Young And Alive’ is a speedster. Ditto ‘Mr. Starlight’. Not much to dislike in my world, but definitely one for people who don’t mind a band (proudly) wearing influences on their sleeves. Exciting discovery!
