Prevailing vocal work, piercing death screams, blistering guitar licks and pounding drums tick all my personal boxes that create the perfect metal band in my books. The band I speak of is Canadian born UNLEASH THE ARCHERS; their upcoming album "Time Stands Still" is the reason why this band have recently entered my favourites list.

This powerful quintet formed together in the year 2007; during from then until the present they have gained a loyal following in North America. Since the release of their second album "Demons Of The AstroWaste" their music has reached listeners far and wide from Europe to most recently Asia and South America. After a line up change they proudly bring fourth "Time Stands Still" which is due for release near the end of this month.

Onto the album itself; at first listen I am actually blown away by all the crucial components of a Heavy Metal album. Brittney Slayes' vocal work is flawless; it is refreshing to hear a voice with more oomph and power, reminding of fellow vocalists Jill Janus (HUNTRESS), Ida Haukland (TRIOSPHERE) and Noora Louhimo (BATTLE BEAST). This accompanied with the faultless instrumentation in my opinion comes together well to create a masterpiece.

Each and every song on the record stands out in their own unique way; "Frozen Steel" opens the proceedings in a true metal fashion with the word "WARRRRIORRR" flying around your head for days on end alongside the fist pumping chants. Prog like "Dreamcrusher" containing several different components that make it a rather interesting track. The title track is my personal favourite on the album; I love the melody, the empowering drums from Scott Buchanan and the choir of voices in-between verses and choruses. A great metal melody in my opinion.

So overall this was an extremely powerful specimen that I highly recommend for those who love the sounds of dominant melodies showcasing unblemished talent.