When we deal with the Finnish Metal scene, we are used to hearing names from bands in extreme Metal genres, or some from Symphonic Metal, and Power Metal. But to be honest, I can't remember a band with an Old School traditional Heavy Metal insight from Finland. Now, that I heard RATBREED's "Evoke the Blaze", this empty space is filled. They play in a powerful and melodic traditional Heavy Metal way with some influences from Speed Metal, but with some differences from the greater part of the young bands from this genre, because they aren't copying someone. No, the quintet has a musical personality, with a strong work (that is influenced by JUDAS PRIEST). One more thing: they don't try to sound like a Metal band from the 80's (which they aren't), but as a Metal band, and that's enough. How lovely their music sounds...

The producer of the album did a fine job with them. The sound quality is very good, with the modern clarity joining forces with the energy of the Old School. That is their main secret: they know that they aren't from the 80's, but influenced by Metal bands from those days, so it's better to have their own way, with a clean and aggressive sound, but that allows their melodies to flow. Let me tell you all a thing: they are truly an excellent group.

"Escape from the Asylum" with its nasty and catchy energy, the excellent guitars and tempos of "Hunting High, Reaping Low" and of "Decay of the Mind", the fast and melodic approach of "Blaze from Below", the charming melodies heard on "Mad World", and the thundering weight of "Through the Flames" is proof of a very good band that is coming. They really has too much to offer, but some improvements can be done to put the things in the right way, for the vocals are very good, but some wiser use of the high pitched tunes would be great (I didn't said to change the vocalist, because she is really very good, please).