Canada was an extremely strong Metal scene at the end of the 70s and throughout the 80s, revealing excellent names that are still active, such as ANVIL, VOIVOD, EXCITER, EXALTED PILEDRIVER and many others that influenced a lot many of the idols of the last 20 years (remember that even DARKTHRONE mention it on "Canadian Metal", from their album "F.O.A.D."). But in the 90s, things changed a lot, but now, very good names are arising from the ashes, as the quartet ILLYRIAN. Yes, they are pretty good, as our ears can check on their first album, "Round 2: Fight!".

It's a technical and heavy form of Thrash Metal, but with some clear influences from modern Metal styles. So, you can feel that they aren't copying bands from the past, but honoring their Canadian nature by being creative, and trying to open new musical possibilities. And my friends, this is what truly matters in these days we are living, where many people prefer to buy albums from bands that copycat those from the 80s, or just by the worst albums from those times, thinking they are treasures.

Think new, think fresh, and hear ILLYRIAN!

The album recording is really fine, because the sound quality is truly powerful and heavy, allowing the energy from the band's songs to flow freely and wild. Obviously, the level of sound clarity is truly good, because we can understand what they are playing with no problem, and the instrumental tunes were chosen wisely, because you can have the clear idea of the instrumental arrangements and the contrast between the vocal tunes.

"Walking in Sunshine" with its very good guitar riffs and technical insight, the raw energy in the middle of technical broken tempos of "Round 2: Fight!" (with a great work from bass guitar and drums, and the lyrics seems to be a homage to old video games like "Street Fighter" and "Mortal Kombat"), the modern groove and fine melodic ambient of "Opulent & Imperial" (lovely work from guitars during all the songs), the incredible mix between aggressiveness with melodic sense of "Chaotic Neutral" (these vocals are really amazing, the contrast with a normal aggressive voice with guttural screams), the fun time shown on "Zeta Reticulan" with its very good tempos... Oh, by the Metal Gods, I can't speak of only some tracks the entire album is truly excellent. If you're a Thrash Metal fan, or even a Metal fan with good taste, "Round 2: Fight!" is the right album for you.

Listen to it, buy it, and go to the band's shows, because these guys are really true heirs of Canadian Metal treasures.