DAMAGE
“Hopes And Fears”
Megahard Records
rating: 4, 5 of 6
If ACCEPT were power metal, they would sound like DAMAGE, that’s for sure. As with almost all of the Megahard releases, this one suffers a bit because of the singer, even though his voice is rather good – it’s the singing manner that’s somehow irritating at times, y’know. Well, generally speaking, “Hopes And Fears” is a good piece of power metal, quite cheesy sometimes (this assertion mostly goes for “Dream Of Life”, in fact a ballad, which is executed purely in a pop / rock way… like some fucking BON JOVI), although still highly impressive. Just listen to “Sacred Song”. This one pretends to be a classic… All in all, these guys managed to make a diverse work out of this CD, so I guess you won't be disappointed once you’ve spent your money on this piece. (Herr Stalhammar)

DEADLY FATE
“Shine Again”
Megahard Records
rating: 4 of 6
These guys definitely crave for originality, otherwise how would you explain the fact that they have incorporated violin and sublime choirs in their overall sound? It starts almost with a gothic interlude, later transforming into mostly mid-paced power metal with certain variety. And once again, the singer’s voice is the weakest point when it comes to “Shine Again”. Although he sings with “variety” too, heh heh. You see, Oruam sounds pretty good when it comes to such tracks as “Rich In Spirit” or ballad-alike “The Time Took It Away” and “I’m A Light” (the best ones off this effort, by the way), whilst I can’t stand that half-bleating / half-expectoration “Excalibur” and “Shine Again” come with. A bonus for originality and approach to music… but Oruam has to change his singing manner anyway. (Herr Stalhammar)

DRAGONHEART
“Underdark”
Megahard Records
rating: 3 of 6
Typical fantasy power metal, this time from Brazil (well, actually I’m still reviewing Megahard products, so…). Surprisingly, few Irish folkloristic reminiscences may be discovered here… however is it really surprising? I guess not. When it comes to music, “Underdark” seems to be a bit undeveloped, though quite enjoyable piece. This is VERY far from being a worthless release, but simultaneously VERY far from being a perfect one. (Herr Stalhammar)

ENGRAVE
“Esdra”
Megahard Records
rating: 2 of 6
I could never understand (and probably never will) what does metal music have to do with negros… Here we have one more of a kind, a power metal from Brazil with a nig… oops, sorry, “Afro-American” as they prefer to say it, on guitar. Perhaps, that’s the reason why guitar sound is the weakest point (perhaps with an exception for the leads) when it comes to “Esdra”, eh? Heh heh. It’s true, anyway. Guitar passages didn’t impress me at all – in contrast to keyboards, and also the drum tracks. These ones sound fine (moreover – rather brilliant), at least these well crafted arrangements as well as rhythm-section are the only things which can possibly prevent the listener from falling into the arms of sleep… And yes, vocals are (very) far from perfection, too. Yep, screaming is much easier than proper singing, but who said that the easiest way is the wisest one? (Herr Stalhammar)

LIAR SYMPHONY
“Affair Of Honour”
Megahard Records
rating: 5 of 6
Well yes, “Affair Of Honour” looks tremendous when it comes to appearance. And yes, it’s no less intriguing in terms of music. Firstly, this album features thick and… hmm… let’s say “tasty” sound, which does enshroud the listener supplemented with truly enrapturing atmosphere. Secondly… guess what I’m going to speak about? Yes exactly, it’s the singer again. You see, when it comes to either heavy, power or speed metal, this point seems to be very important to me, since even if the music is stupendous, I won’t listen to it if the vocalist fails to sing properly. You can spoil every fucking thing with your untrained voice, you see. That’s why I always mention this point while reviewing this sort of bands. It doesn’t have anything to do with LIAR SYMPHONY, anyway. Again, guess why? You cannot? Ok, do you see what kind of a mark I rated this album with? A good one? Yes. Therefore, what’s your conclusion? Right, as a singer Villo fits the band perfectly (although once I looked at his pic before listening to this CD, I thought he would spawn some kind of either grunts or growls… can you imagine a goblin with an elfish voice? Well, that’s what Vitto is). Keyboards appear mainly in the background, appearing as only a supplementary instrument, although sometimes anxious, sometimes serene atmosphere the synth-man creates makes LIAR SYMPHONY what it really is. Furthermore, the lyrics are pretty intriguing and thought-provoking; I believe you have to get acquainted with them after buying this CD… Yes, “after buying this CD”. It’s worth your money, no doubts. (Herr Stalhammar)

MARAUDER
“1821”
Megahard Records
rating: 6 of 6
Ah, what have I told you some time ago? Yes, Greece truly is a new mecca for power metal. Surprisingly issued by Megahard Records (who seem to sign only Brazil-based acts), “1821” strikes as the best CD I’ve received from them this time. Based solely on the theme of Greek greatest (and also the last) revolution, the one which took place in 1821, thus appearing a conceptual album, this work is not just musically exciting – it’s utterly tremendous! Each single song is a power metal colossus; and if Megahard will manage to promote this CD in a proper way, “1821” undoubtedly will become a classic some day… Being a bit similar to GRAVE DIGGER (especially when it comes to vocal department), though still highly original and pretty innovative, this album doesn’t have any visual drawbacks, at least there’s nothing I could possibly cavil at. Furthermore, finally a Megahard’s band with an outstanding singer! I truly appreciate Michalis’ effort when it comes to singing… Besides aforesaid, I’d like to mark out astounding appearance and masterly composed lyrical canvas (being highly patriotic as well). For those who still didn’t quite understand me: “1821” is a must to have CD! (Herr Stalhammar)

MYSTICAL WARNING
“Third Millennium”
Megahard Records
rating: 4, 5 of 6
Quite a lengthy CD I have to review this time. Being comprised of seven tracks as well as, of course, the “Third Millennium” saga in five chapters, this album seems to last for eternity, although I wouldn’t say it’s boring. Rather enjoyable music, to say the least… Power or progressive metal? Something in between, I believe. Well, MYSTICAL WARNING definitely sound pretty weak, if one would compare ‘em to the genius of RHAPSODY, for instance; however they manage to deliver undoubtedly exciting musical (and lyrical) canvas anyway. Not a masterpiece for sure, but still rather impressive CD. (Herr Stalhammar)

RUNNING WILD
“Victory”
G.U.N. Records
rating: 5 of 6
And here comes yet one more recording by RUNNING WILD, one of my favorite bands ever, so to say. Actually, it’s done almost completely in the vein of their former works, the only difference goes for the fact that Rock’n’Rolf and co. decided to make the sound a bit more smooth this time. Besides that, Rolf sings in a “clean”, high-pitched voice here and there (like he did in his early years with RUNNING WILD), and I wouldn’t say I like this metamorphosis. Furthermore, one would discover a pretty exciting cover on “Revolution” by THE BEATLES here… Sounds tasty, no doubts. Anyway, RUNNING WILD still is RUNNING WILD, and I bet Glenn Benton becomes a new Pope sooner they’ll change their style. (Herr Stalhammar)

SEASONS OF THE WOLF
“Lost In Hell”
Adrenaline Records
rating: 5 of 6
Now I know why do they call themselves as a “Progressive, Gothic, New Age Metal band”. This CD is much more experimental (to a certain degree, of course) in comparison to the recording they made their debut with back in 1996. Basically, it’s still that “good ‘ol” power metal, this time even more mid-paced, featuring plenty of new age-alike stuff. More atmospheric as well. Furthermore, Wes changed his vocal style to a bit more high-pitched singing manner and it seemed to be rather irritating to me when I was just starting to listen to this CD, however later I somehow got used to it. “S.O.S.”, “Communion”, “Witchfinder” and “Initiation” are the tracks I’d mark out here. They’re just excellent. Generally speaking, this is very good and innovative CD coming in the shape of a superb digipack edition. Buy it. (Herr Stalhammar)

SILVER BLADE
“Old And Real Thoughts”
Megahard Records
rating: 3, 5 of 6
First of all, I’d like to make a couple of assertions regarding Megahard Records. I guess the time has come, heh heh… In the first turn, seems like they have signed quite an enormous number of power / heavy / progressive metal bands, however before I got a package from this labels, I couldn’t boast with the fact I’m familiar with at least one of them. Poor promotion is the reason, I believe? Or not…? Nevermind. Secondly, their roster… well, surprisingly on one half it consists of undoubtedly worthy and splendid bands delivering really intriguing music, however on the other half it’s comprised of pure mediocrities. Unfortunately, I have to say that SILVER BLADE more likely should be reckoned to the second ones. Yes, just like in case with DAMAGE, DEADLY FATE and DRAGONHEART, this quintet brings forth the light quite good and sometimes even bewitching blend of “medieval” power metal, and yes, everything: the singer, musicianship, production and overall perception, is highly enjoyable, but… but… but… I can’t stop listening to SYMBOLS and MARAUDER, however I wouldn’t say the same goes to SILVER BLADE. (Herr Stalhammar)

SYMBOLS
“Call To The End”
Megahard Records
rating: 6 of 6
Lucky me, here’s one more brilliant CD. In fact, “Call To The End” is the best CD by a Brazilian power / heavy metal band I’ve heard so far. This is MUCH better than ANGRA, believe me. SYMBOLS definitely will become a leading star in future, and while now it’s me, Herr Stalhammar, who has to review “Call To The End”, which seems to be an album they’ve made their debut with. Well, this one includes 6 brand new tracks as well as four tunes taken off demo works, although I wouldn’t say there’s at least small difference between ‘em when it comes to both musicianship and production; furthermore, structurally demo tracks’re no less developed and well crafted than new ones. If you want comparisons, there aren’t exact names; SYMBOLS contrived to combine German school power metal with IRON MAIDEN-alike sound in a nearly unique way… Furthermore, the singer is EXCELLENT. I truly enjoy his voice each single time I listen to this CD – and believe me, I’ve already gave it a listen hundred times… One little thing left, though. I completely can’t stand such titles as “Stop The Wars” (?), “Sons Of Lord” (??) and “Save Africa” (??!). What the hell is that?! I’m tired of all these shitheads singing ‘bout “poor and starving African children”… Fuck Africa, fuck pacifism, fuck christianity. And hail SYMBOLS, despite all the aforesaid. (Herr Stalhammar)