GREAT ELECTRIC QUEST apparently love a good drum solo. The album's opening track "Seeker of the Flame" starts us off with a taste of what is to come, with an abbreviated one , while the second track "Of Earth I", is a solo of significant substance that perhaps indicates the origin of Daniel 'MuchoDrums' Velasco's nickname. The song also offers an early guitar solo from Buddy Donner that could see Eddie Van Halen seek royalties, though as they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. We're off to a really good start. Actually it's a great start. The album cover art work from Adam Burke reinforces the old school Metal vibe, and is an instant classic as well.

GREAT ELECTRIC QUEST is from San Diego, California and is a Classic/Stoner Metal band of great potential. There is a lot to like on this second album from the four piece. In addition to the aforementioned impressive output from Velasco and Donner, bassist Jared Bliss seems essential. Holding down the low end impeccably throughout, Bliss really impresses on "Heart of the Sun", the album's closing track. Far from forgotten, Tyler 'T-Sweat' Dingvell's vocals fit perfectly with this powerhouse band. Dingvell's vocal style and range is an interesting dynamic, and it will be interesting to see his development as a front man. Indeed, the opening vocals on "Anubis" immediately brings to mind Rob Halford, as do some vocals in "Wicked Hands". It's pretty damn incredible. Again, sincere flattery comes to mind.

Overall, "Chapter II: Of Earth" defiantly delivers a distinctive, fresh and original sound while still managing to pay tribute to those Metal legends of yesteryear. "Chapter II: Of Earth" is one of my favorite Metal discoveries of the year, and they're a band that I'll definitely be keeping track of going forward. I can easily see their live show being quite a fun experience, and one that I hope to see soon.