STORMHAMMER are a great, classical Heavy Metal band from Munich, Germany, who implement some of the most original and unique sounds in Metal I've heard in a good while. Developing a Melodic-like structure this band can fuse Thrash, Power, and pure Heavy Metal all in one and it sounds absolutely glorious, all while pulling off some fantastic vocal ranges as well.
This is how you do Metal; melodically and powerfully, this band perfects this greatly.

Formed in 1993 as LIZARD but deciding to change their name so they weren't confusing the other German Southern Rock band of the same name, they shifted to another name STEAMHAMMER but once again encountered confusion with another band from the 70s era, finally finding an original name (though I've encountered a couple other bands of this name) STORMHAMMER (a more Metal variation) the band are set.

Having 4 full-length albums before "Echoes Of A Lost Paradise" I'm pretty shocked to see this epic band only have over 1,000 likes on their facebook so far, because after listening to this fantastic album, I feel the band should have a helluva lot more fans in my opinion. If you don't want to miss out on some fantastic Metal suited for the "masterful" ranking, do yourself a favour, and check out STORMHAMMER, you won't regret it.

Now to give you a rundown of what you'll be enjoying, and you will enjoy:

"Remembrance"
Beginning with a classical type introduction, in a similar style of MANOWAR's "Gods Of War" but far, far more evil... This is just an introduction leading on to another introduction with...

"Glory Halls Of Valhalla"
Continuing the classical element of the previous introduction, a crushing force of Metal begins, slowly with very great vocal acquisition, Jurgen Dachi can be considered a Heavy Metal god of vocals. Half way in begins the real highlight, Heavy Metal greatness includes Thrashing Death Power Metal in the form of Viking like epicness. "Echoes Of A Lost Paradise" is proving to be an epic classic already.

"Fast Life"
A powerfully fast (obviously) thrasher, if you've heard of the genre "True Metal" this song definitely defines the form of True Metal, the definition of epicness and power. An absolutely crushing song.

"Echoes Of A Lost Paradise"
The title track, my word, probably the album's finest, wrong, the entire album is its finest in Metal. Beginning with actual echoes, and a statement from an unknown source, the song begins with a powerful tone that literally blew me away first time. The drums sound like two pounding anvils punching each other Chris Widmann kicks ass. The epic melodic signature sound makes a brutal return too. A nice and long 6 minute melodic/epic song with great vocal rhythm here.

"Leaving"
Another dramatic introduction, with returning pounding drums and fine guitar work from Manny "Maniac" Ewender and Bernd Intveen; these guys truly deserve the spot in of Heavy Metal Gods rankings. Very moody and melodic this one: a very well performed track.

"Bloody Tears"
A thrashy riff begins this one, and carries on a few seconds in, even faster, another melodic epic, the vocals are the main attraction with this one though, very, very catchy high vocals make this a great anthem for Live performances. Definitely one of my favorites.

"Holy War"
Another one of those epic acoustic-like guitar introductions, carrying on to Metal inquisitions, with powerfully, screaming vocals. Insanely epic solos and just the inner sanction of True Metal exposed. Another classic. Pretty much just gonna give this album a 10 right now.

"Black Clouds"
A dark, heavy pounder equalizing in some Death Metal like melodic and hard Thrashing material, another True Metal like highlight of this fantastic album. Yup, I'm just going to put it out there and give this album a 10.

"Into The Darkest Void"
One of the slower songs but extremely epic. This album has great variety, and it's a shame this band has made so much effort since formation and only received over a thousand "likes" on facebook so far. Ending with a crushing conclusion, with added keyboard elements, all I can say is classic.

"Promises"
The great sound production just rages on and epicness, this one's very short but doesn't forget to keep the signature mood of the album which is epic, groovy and powerful. Lovely keyboard instrumentation, and just beautiful presentation. This is an album for the ages.

"Stormrider"
Leaving the best until last eh? That beginning riff thrusts the absolute power of Metal into a groove fest of steel. One of the more powerful performances, "Echoes Of A Lost Paraside" is simply stunning. "Stormrider" is definitely my favorite song I think. Tasty.

"The Ocean"
Ending the album, we have another slow take, but it's still epic. Still keeping similar vocals, the album ends with a glorious instrumental value, making this simply a masterful work of art. Possibly one of the best albums of 2015!

Phew, that was a trip, but in conclusion "Echoes Of A Lost Paradise" is definitely one of the most unique and well performed albums in 2015 that I have had the pleasure to listen to and review so far, and I say that with utmost precision and truth. It's still hard to believe that a band with this magnitude and integrity have 5 full-length albums and only just over a thousand likes, STORMHAMMER sound like true Metal Gods in their own right so do yourselves a favour and give this band the attention they truly deserve and help keep the Metal community alive and well, buy it!!