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August 29, 2008 |
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01. The Fallen One
02. Under Black Wings
03. Salvation
04. Inside Your Mind
05. Daydreamer
06. Drifting
07. The Burning
08. Run Or Hide
09. The Sands Of Time
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So far 2005 has been a very prolific year for Power Metal, with new releases by HAMMERFALL and BRAINSTORM just to name a few, and we are still looking forward to the release of the new THUNDERSTONE album (supposedly their best so far). Not being very familiar with their previous material, I didn't really know what to expect from AXENSTAR's "The inquisition". Well, I have to admit that it is a complete surprise. This album kicks some serious ass!!
AXENSTAR was formed in 1998 as a cover band by Peter Johansson (guitar) and Magnus Ek (bass) under the name POWERAGE, and they first became famous in their native Sweden mostly for playing IRON MAIDEN covers. After some lineup changes and the release of two demos between 1999 and 2001, the band decided to change their name to AXENSTAR. They released a few more demos under their new identity before signing with the Spanish label Arise Records. AXENSTAR have also had many opportunities to play live during several occasions, including the Sweden Rock Festival 2003 and also by touring together with FALCONER and DOOMSWORD.
"The Inquisition" is the band's third release after "Perpetual Twilight" (2002) and "Far From Heaven" (2003). I would say that "refreshing" is probably the best word to describe each composition found on this album. AXENSTAR obviously created their own style based on serious influences from old school Metal bands such as IRON MAIDEN (of course!!), GAMMA RAY or HAMMERFALL (listen to "Daydreamer"). The old formula of super fast double bass drums and endless guitar solos all combined with high range vocals seems to be working once again here.
The first track of the album, "The Fallen One", sounds much like classic-style Heavy Metal, with a catchy chorus right away ending up tattooed in my mind and it doesn't stop there. It just keeps going with blistering speed and heavy tracks such as "Under Black Wings" and "Salvation". If you're like me and not too fond of cheesy ballads, this album is definitely meant for you. The only acoustic break, "Drifting" (which is actually quite good), only lasts for 2:27. It's almost as if these guys felt obligated to include one ballad in their selection before going back to regular business with other killers like "The Burning", "Run Or Hide" and "The Sands Of Time".
This album shows no weakness whatsoever. With "The Inquisition", AXENSTAR are not only offering an amazing Power Metal album, they are also reminding us all why we fell in love with this kind of music to begin with. Check this one out.
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