Hope I'm not jumping the gun with this thread. I'm submitting the below to a metal review site; hope you enjoy reading it:
Before i start the review I feel a bit of background is required for the uninitiated. At the end of the 90's Steve Williams was in a little known band called DragonHeart, who as you all know now go by the name of DragonForce and are hugely successful. What you may not know is that, after leaving DragonHeart, Steve went on to form a band of his own... Power Quest; which on several occassions has included guest appearances by members of DragonForce.
The connection with DragonForce is something i'm keen to steer away from, although it will innevitably hang over the band for the rest of their existence. The fact of the matter is that while DragonForce displayed one dimension in their writing style, Power Quest were keen to explore more. Now, this may not be so obvious on their debut ('Wings of Forever') but there has been an increasing progression and nod towards 80's hard rock with every album since and it's this fusion of 80's synths and epic chorus lines that sets Power Quest apart from others in the genre. Just listen to tracks like 'Temple of Fire' or 'Find My Heaven' if proof is needed.
Unfortunately, the band has been dismissed by many as 'Flower power' or being too 'cheesey' and, as much as i hate to admit it, the bands sound up until 2009 with falsetto singer Allessio Garevello was either a Love or Hate relationship. As such, many people failed to embrace the musical genius of Steve Williams and, when the rest of his band members decided to part ways in 2009, it looked to be the end of the road for Power Quest.
However, spurred by the encouragement of the fans, Steve never gave up and found a new line up, which Boasts the talent of ex-Firewind singer Chitral 'Chity' Somapala alongside other less known, but by no means less talented, musicians. Power Quest MkII are very much alive and kicking, and now they're back with an album that will have even the most relectunt power metal fan turning the volume knob to 11... That album is 'Blood Alliance'.
it's obvious from the starting intro 'Battle Stations' that there is a renewed energy and sense of urgency within the band; the production is much more crisp and in your face than on any other Power Quest album and the guitars have been brought forward in the mix to add an extra crunch to the sound. all this, along with the powerhouse drums provided by Rich Smith, makes a very promising start to the album. Instrumentals are all well and good, but what of new singer Chitral Somapala? the addition of Chitty's lower vocal register adds even more weight to the 80's tinged riffs and synths that underline each song. This is evident from the first track 'Rising Anew' which is an affirmation of the bands rejuvinated vigour. The song starts with a riff reminisant of Nightwish's 'Sahara' before transitioning into a staple PQ Verse and Chorus,which is backed up with additional vocals. it's a song that's hard to imagine being sung by the previous singer, which is a towering acheievement for any band that change vocalists after so many years. But with this being the case, the real question is does it still sound like Power Quest or is it an entirely different band? I find this a very hard question to answer having always associated Power Quest with synths and high vocals being very much in the forefront of every song. in that sense it seems like they are a different band, however, The synths are still there, but instead of dominating the songs they add more of an atmosphere, making it more effective when they rise through the mix for a solo. Obviously the high pitch vocals are gone, but the trademark PQ chorus' remain and it's these chorus' that let the listener know they've put on a PQ song. So no, not a different band alltogether as the writing hand remains ever present, instead it's a remarkably smooth transition, and one that's sure to attract both old and new fans alike.
Sacrifice starts with a riff that you'll swear you've heard before as it's very similar to that of Diamond Head's 'Am I Evil?', but you won't have heard this riff blended so perfectly within a power metal song. about 20 seconds in the riff fades seemlessly into the verse and re-appears as backing for the chorus, which again is catchy and drenched in a rich 80's style. This is one of those albums that doesn't have a bad track on it. Survive, the albums lead off single (Although not to be released as a single) can be heard on the bands myspace. It is an excellent choice for people to hear first as it represents the essence of the album, go listen to it now!
The most bold and unexpected song on Blood Alliance is 'Crunching the numbers' which deals with a real life situation (Credit crunch if not obvious) as is typical in Williams recent material (A writing style that developed on Master Of Illusion) and combines Testament style riffing with rhythmic changes a la Dream Theater, working itself to a frenzied conclusion. It includes a very dark chorus which is the opposite to the usual PQ song and is sure to generate discussion amongst the fans as any truly great song should.
A mention has to be given to the title track, which is a lengthy 9 minutes (but really doesn't feel like it). it takes something special to make a long track seem like one of the shortest and Power Quest have this nailed on 'Blood Alliance', it is a very well composed piece that includes an epic chorus line and guitar solos galour.
finally (for those without the Japanese bonus) comes 'City of Lies'. This is a real throw back to the 80's and includes a suitably fitting chorus that you will find yourself humming for days after; there is no doubt in my mind that this one will become a fan favourite. keeping with the throwback theme, the refrain at the end of 'City of Lies' comes from the song Power Quest Pt1, found on the debut album, and signals that the band have brought 'the Quest' into a new era.
This is sure to prove one of the best releases in the genre this year and is testament to Steve's never give up attitude. it's said about many albums that there is something for everyone, but on 'Blood Alliance' there really are elements that will appeal to a wide variety of music fans, not just the Power Metal devotee.
Before i start the review I feel a bit of background is required for the uninitiated. At the end of the 90's Steve Williams was in a little known band called DragonHeart, who as you all know now go by the name of DragonForce and are hugely successful. What you may not know is that, after leaving DragonHeart, Steve went on to form a band of his own... Power Quest; which on several occassions has included guest appearances by members of DragonForce.
The connection with DragonForce is something i'm keen to steer away from, although it will innevitably hang over the band for the rest of their existence. The fact of the matter is that while DragonForce displayed one dimension in their writing style, Power Quest were keen to explore more. Now, this may not be so obvious on their debut ('Wings of Forever') but there has been an increasing progression and nod towards 80's hard rock with every album since and it's this fusion of 80's synths and epic chorus lines that sets Power Quest apart from others in the genre. Just listen to tracks like 'Temple of Fire' or 'Find My Heaven' if proof is needed.
Unfortunately, the band has been dismissed by many as 'Flower power' or being too 'cheesey' and, as much as i hate to admit it, the bands sound up until 2009 with falsetto singer Allessio Garevello was either a Love or Hate relationship. As such, many people failed to embrace the musical genius of Steve Williams and, when the rest of his band members decided to part ways in 2009, it looked to be the end of the road for Power Quest.
However, spurred by the encouragement of the fans, Steve never gave up and found a new line up, which Boasts the talent of ex-Firewind singer Chitral 'Chity' Somapala alongside other less known, but by no means less talented, musicians. Power Quest MkII are very much alive and kicking, and now they're back with an album that will have even the most relectunt power metal fan turning the volume knob to 11... That album is 'Blood Alliance'.
it's obvious from the starting intro 'Battle Stations' that there is a renewed energy and sense of urgency within the band; the production is much more crisp and in your face than on any other Power Quest album and the guitars have been brought forward in the mix to add an extra crunch to the sound. all this, along with the powerhouse drums provided by Rich Smith, makes a very promising start to the album. Instrumentals are all well and good, but what of new singer Chitral Somapala? the addition of Chitty's lower vocal register adds even more weight to the 80's tinged riffs and synths that underline each song. This is evident from the first track 'Rising Anew' which is an affirmation of the bands rejuvinated vigour. The song starts with a riff reminisant of Nightwish's 'Sahara' before transitioning into a staple PQ Verse and Chorus,which is backed up with additional vocals. it's a song that's hard to imagine being sung by the previous singer, which is a towering acheievement for any band that change vocalists after so many years. But with this being the case, the real question is does it still sound like Power Quest or is it an entirely different band? I find this a very hard question to answer having always associated Power Quest with synths and high vocals being very much in the forefront of every song. in that sense it seems like they are a different band, however, The synths are still there, but instead of dominating the songs they add more of an atmosphere, making it more effective when they rise through the mix for a solo. Obviously the high pitch vocals are gone, but the trademark PQ chorus' remain and it's these chorus' that let the listener know they've put on a PQ song. So no, not a different band alltogether as the writing hand remains ever present, instead it's a remarkably smooth transition, and one that's sure to attract both old and new fans alike.
Sacrifice starts with a riff that you'll swear you've heard before as it's very similar to that of Diamond Head's 'Am I Evil?', but you won't have heard this riff blended so perfectly within a power metal song. about 20 seconds in the riff fades seemlessly into the verse and re-appears as backing for the chorus, which again is catchy and drenched in a rich 80's style. This is one of those albums that doesn't have a bad track on it. Survive, the albums lead off single (Although not to be released as a single) can be heard on the bands myspace. It is an excellent choice for people to hear first as it represents the essence of the album, go listen to it now!
The most bold and unexpected song on Blood Alliance is 'Crunching the numbers' which deals with a real life situation (Credit crunch if not obvious) as is typical in Williams recent material (A writing style that developed on Master Of Illusion) and combines Testament style riffing with rhythmic changes a la Dream Theater, working itself to a frenzied conclusion. It includes a very dark chorus which is the opposite to the usual PQ song and is sure to generate discussion amongst the fans as any truly great song should.
A mention has to be given to the title track, which is a lengthy 9 minutes (but really doesn't feel like it). it takes something special to make a long track seem like one of the shortest and Power Quest have this nailed on 'Blood Alliance', it is a very well composed piece that includes an epic chorus line and guitar solos galour.
finally (for those without the Japanese bonus) comes 'City of Lies'. This is a real throw back to the 80's and includes a suitably fitting chorus that you will find yourself humming for days after; there is no doubt in my mind that this one will become a fan favourite. keeping with the throwback theme, the refrain at the end of 'City of Lies' comes from the song Power Quest Pt1, found on the debut album, and signals that the band have brought 'the Quest' into a new era.
This is sure to prove one of the best releases in the genre this year and is testament to Steve's never give up attitude. it's said about many albums that there is something for everyone, but on 'Blood Alliance' there really are elements that will appeal to a wide variety of music fans, not just the Power Metal devotee.
? Cause it was well written! And also, which is your favorite song on the album? 
