ANCESTRAL is a heavy/power metal band formed in 1999 from Sicily, Italy.

"Master of Fate" being their second full-fledged album, after a long pause, but as it seems, ANCESTRAL did not feel the time passing by them. Their songs seem to stay true to their style from the first album, and their sound is more than pleasant. Their sound, is very similar to DRAGONFORCE, especially given the similar blistering speed guitar riffs, close vocal styles and overall feeling. Don't get me wrong, that is a good thing, as I have grown up with DRAGONFORCE and they still are a great band in my eyes.

You know how most bands have that intro-like first song, something either nice and slow or powerful, yet empowering, to begin with, to get you somewhat in the mood for what's to come? Don't expect that from ANCESTRAL. No, these guys start off at machine gun speed guitar riffs and drums, and they just don't stop until the last song is done. As "Back To Life" started playing, I really expected a nice little intro song, given their pause, the song name tended to fit quite well for an intro, but, to my happy surprise, I was wrong. The song was just on-point and could go toe-to-toe with any power metal song out there and hold his own.

Although the songs were very similar in style and instrumental, I must say I highly enjoyed "Master Of Fate", "Refuge Of Souls" and "From Beyond" quite a lot, and they will probably stay in my playlist for future enjoyment. What I would have to 'complain' about would have to be the mastering of the songs: I understand that a power metal song's most important part is the full throttle guitar, but they could have increased the volume of Jo Lombardo's microphone at least a little bit... Especially in the first songs, it was rather difficult for me to be able to focus on him, given that the guitars and drums were clearly louder and tended to take my full attention. I think it was a bit unnecessary, as the guitars are catchy through their style; it was no need to increase their volume.

The album ends with a cover of HELLOWEEN, the song "Savage", which is quite a good reenactment of the song, or, at least, as good as it can get without the irreplaceable voice of Andi Derris. For power metal fans out there, I highly recommend "Master Of Fate". I know 2017 has just started, but hell... this is a good start for the power metal scene.