Release date : 30/05/2008 (original release on Retroactive: May 2006)

Release : CD

The formation of Las Vegas (Nevada) based Christian Heavy Metal act Final Axe in 1989 came about somewhat peculiarly. Steven K. Tyler (akà Keith Miles) was a regular organizer of Metal Midnight festivals. He didn't have a band (previously having sang for Holy Right), but had a vision, and was already selling Final Axe t-shirts. Guitarist William "Bill" PaulMenchen suddenly found himself without a band, and knowing Keith was into starting one, he gave the man a call. Days later they got together and exchanged ideas, after which Menchen swiftly threw something together on a 4-track recorder and brought it to their next meeting to play for Miles. A couple of days later the latter came back with some words to the music and sang to it, giving the song the title "Babtized In Blood".

Not even a month later, the two had picked up the rhythm section (bassist Rod Reasner and drummer Chris "Reth" Lattimer)of a band called DTS, and were in a studio recording what was to be their full-length promo tape Beyond Hell's Gate. As the guys didn't have the money to do things properly, it was really a rush job, and so the result wasn't exactly what they wanted...but then they didn't wanna wait for another year to save the necessary funds, prefering to just go for it while the inspiration was fresh and frisky! Soon after, the guys threw themselves on the local live circuit, playing shows which became increasingly bigger. During 1990, the guys returned to the studio to record their follow-up, which regretably never came about, as the rhythm section decamped, leaving Menchen and Miles with unfinished recordings.

The remaining duo would form the highly noted Titanic in 1995 (do not confuse for the AOR band by the same name) who, after releasing their 1996 album Maiden Voyage on the BlackSeaimprint, would see former Stryper drummer RobertSweet join its ranks for a while. In fact, in 1998 MagdalenaRecordsre-issued the Maiden Voyage album with inclusion of three bonus tracks played with Sweet. That same year saw Titanic members Simon K.. Tyler and bassist Raymond H.. Kilsdonk session on RobertSweet's Blank project. With Menchen also active in Revseven, Titanic would play one gig during 2002 billed as Subdux, and they even recorded the 8-track demo Subdux under that name. That same year Titanic issued the Screaming In Silence album on Iowa based Christian Rock/ Metal label Retroactive. When Titanic returned with their 2007 album Full Steam Ahead, it was with new singer DavidSt.Martins, the album including two re-worked tracks from Titanic's debut album, both featuring Sweet!

Back To Final Axe, who saw their debut demo re-mastered and released in a limited edition on Retroactive in February 2005, and got offered to use the recordings of their second demo for another release. Robert Sweet jumped in on the drums, Menchen not only did the additional bass, but also some keyboards where felt necessary and the album, released May 2006 through Retroactive, has been waiting ever since to get reviewed by yours truly!

Hahah, if thàt ain't the epitomy of feeling self-important! Eventually, it was the label's subscribing to German mailorder Music Buy Mail's promotional agency Artist Service (also read intro to review of album by Clusterhead posted at the same time as this for more detailed explanations) which got a copy of the album sent to us (in a package also including albums by Midnite Club and Seventh Power). Anyways, the end result is 10 great Heavy Metal tracks with clear influences from Judas Priest in the vocals, but with an additional warmness to boot! The label recommends the album to fans of the aforementioned, Iron Maiden, Barren Cross, Neon Cross, Saint, and early Bride, and I personally recommend fans of those bands to check the band's music out at myspace.com/finalaxe, where you can listen to two tracks off the first demo/ album and three off the second. What you'll find is the kind of US Power Metal which is simply timeless, thanks to a truly great vocal delivery, anthemic guitar work, and a decently good sound which brings out the best in the music! Even if I'm not overwhelmed, I find this act to be a a very high standard, and if you're into Christian Rock/ Metal, then Final Axe is definitely worth being added to your collection!

86/100

Tony.