Year: 2022
Total Time: 51:27
Label: Atomic Fire
I feel so excited when I discover new albums that make me travel back to the glorious past of the turbulent European power metal scene… POWER PALADIN come from Iceland, a country that has nothing special to show in the teutonic sound. Who would even dare to think of stories about brave warriors, dragons and mythical creatures being born on such an island? If power metal seemed like something so incompatible to Iceland until 2017, the sextet from Reykjavik were destined to blaze a new trail.
The band’s first concert steps had a really positive response and perception. Various gigs were booked both in small clubs and big festivals on the island, eventually leading to the group’s appearance at the country’s most important music event, called “Iceland Airwaves”. POWER PALADIN, after a “reconnaissance period”, entered the studio, and with the …blessing of the newly formed Atomic Fire Records (a label that came from the bowels of Nuclear Blast), released “With The Magic Of Windfyre Steel”. And to give a first …hint, the album has already invaded the German charts, at number 76. Impressive…
Nine music tracks of superbly played power metal, european style, with main references to HAMMERFALL, LOST HORIZON, BEAST IN BLACK, EDGUY and DRAGONFORCE. The material definitely worths attention, and there is a great diversity in sound, from NWOBHM, hard rock and heavy compositions, to symphonic power metal. It is obvious that the band “struggles” to fit every idea they have into the 50 minutes of the album. Throughout its duration we literally listen to some sort of “chaos of creativity”, and maybe this is a small weakness of the album, combined with the fact that no matter what a band tries to demonstrate in the area of power metal, authenticity and originality will always be highlighted as issues. However, in all the tracks of the album, without any exception, we find well worked guitar ideas and a very talented singer who reminded me of the great Daniel Heiman. Excellent performance, large vocal range, Atli Guðlaugsson and his talent are real highlights of the album.
Best moments are “Kraven The Hunter” (with an ostentatious – almost provocative – reference to IRON MAIDEN’s “Sign Of The Cross” which might be a bit awkward, however let’s approach it from a humorous side), “Creatures Of The Night”, “Righteous Fury”, “Way Of Kings” and “Dark Crystal”. The absence of ballads is interesting and totally unexpected, with the album going on high stakes from start to finish. Undoubtedly, those who found the new HELLOWEEN tired, will have a good and fresh time here, traveling back to the (beautiful) time of the 1980s, when power metal was bringing so much quality, and many power metal bands were pioneers in metal music. And… not to forget. One last lesson for me (and for you): never judge content by a mediocre logo and an equally mediocre cover. 2022 definitely got off to a great (and generous) start…
Rating: 8/10
Editor: Kostas Kafritsas
Related Link: POWER PALADIN – Facebook Page
