The material covers a wide array of territory. As the song titles might suggest, most of the subject matter is rather dark. It's not happy and fun Power Metal. The double bass drumming comes complete with cymbal crashes making the drummer sound like he's very busy. There are some really technical solos on this album. It is obvious that a lot of attention was paid to detail in this area. Nothing is left to chance here. Solid harmonies and sing along choruses abound. I have to really compliment the singer. Rick Cox does a very good job with the songs here. According to their bio sheet, he is a new member, and in my opinion it sounds like they chose a good replacement. Of course I say this having never heard the original singer, but the vocals are very good regardless. Another thing I noticed is how serious the songs sound. Nothing is whimsical or frivolous. Everything is deadly serious and presented that way from the first note to the last. "Rising Against" is a song about taking down enemies as if in a battle or during a war. A very classic approach to metal there, and something we can all relate to. The song "Death Dealer" has a wonderful Thrash Metal element to it. Well done sirs!
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