A new name, but not a new band. In 1997, guitarists Ronny Blylod (also keyboards)& Daniel Niemann, bassist Patrik Nordendahl, and drummer Magnus Larsson joined forces with vocalist Mats Dahlberg to for Eternia, a band which would bring Viking infused Power Metal, and which would deliver the '99 demo-MCD(5 tracks) "The Guardian Of The Treasure", and the 2002 album "Tales Of Power", before changing singers. With Andy K the band only gave us the demo-CD "Shadow Gate".

In February 2005, a new singer by the name of Anders Hägekvist entered the ranks of this Swedish band, and this coming along with the slight change of musical direction, the band decided to rename themselves. After getting great response on early demo tracks (already played on radio) and their intense live performance, the band landed a (worldwide) record deal only 5 months after their official formation...which goes to say soething about the quality of the band's material, and their writing abilities.

The music of the 12 tracks are best described as classic melodic Heavy Metal, with only slight hints at Power Metal. Although the lyrics are claimed to be of a dark nature, the overall soiund of the songs is quite remeniscent of the jolly late '80s sound of bands like Helloween. Anders's clean high-pitch is even somewhat remeniscent of Michael Kiske. Keyboards are used really sparcely (as the keyboardist's main task is to bring a rhythm basis for the lead guitarist (so, you don't get any keyboard solo parts, but occasionally those keyboards bring that little axtra to the overall atmosphere).

In other words, quality for those who seek out to listen to this specific type of music. Nothing new, but you get value for money!

84/100

Tony.