The Blood of the Dragon

One thing that struck me about this album was that, unlike most power metal, this band is very laid back in terms of how their songs progress. For example, the song "You Kill" has a very raucous beginning riff, but then it breaks into this atmospheric feeling with what sounds like a distant voice wailing to the wind, and the pre chorus riff is stylistically defining on this album. Especially with the odd windblown effect the keys give, which by the way, presents very nice and relaxing unimposing harmony to the whole sound.

Even the solos are presented in this way. What could normally make a song sound much faster and much more actionesque is in turn, on this album, used to create an atmospheric if not symphonic effect. And unlike most bands that utilize that solo alongside the keys, they keys do not detract from the sound. In fact, in MY opinion, they add. I have never seen a CD with such masterful usage of Keys and Guitars side by side.

Take the intro riff to "Legend" for example. A solo upscale, rhythm down scale, and the keys following the solo, and the bass following the rhythm. It presents an odd unsettling feeling until the song breaks into it's body, wherein it becomes insanely atmospheric. And the cd is like that for the most part on all the songs, but in a very well and thought out way.

My problem with this CD, and as a fan of powermetal, is that it is almost the Stoner Rock of the power metal genre. It is so laid back, that it is hard to listen to unless you are in a position to be the same. As well as the music has more of a haunting tone to it than a corporeal presence, as most bands have.

Fans of Freedom Call should check this album out.

All in all, an excellent effort. 89