After listening "Silent Faces" I felt the need for more INNERWISH, gladly that I have this last reissue to review in the image of their third album "Inner Strength". Originally released via Limb Music back in 2006, the Greeks continued conquering grounds in the dominion of European Power Metal. When the music of "Inner Strength" started playing, it rapidly occured to me that a major step was made, such a step forward that was crucial in the band's development as a strong unit in melodic Metal music.

Though at first listen it would be somewhat difficult to put into comparison between "Inner Strength" and "Silent Faces", as both albums share almost identical qualities, whether songwriting style, musicianship and production, it appears that the former has the upper hand at being highly catchy and I may dare say a bit more melodic. There are various elements of Hard Rock and AOR that are noticeable within the band's heavier form that made the release much more fluent and accessible. Immediately several of the songs had me think about early HELLOWEEN and LABYRINTH, especially the latter's debut album. I also figured that the album's catchier form is due to the fact that in overall there are less epic elements than its predecessor, mainly featured within the closing track, which serves as the primary showcase of their early approach that dominated "Waiting For The Dawn". Don't get me wrong, I admire both directions as long as those are made to in a good quality. When it comes to INNERWISH, whether being catchy or plain epic, manifested themselves as excellent on all counts.

Regarding the band's epic songwriting merits, my favorite track out of this here is album is actually it's closer, "Gates of Fire". The story of the 300 Spartan warriors and their bravery right until the last of them was perished against the Persians. INNERWISH composed a theatrical Metallic epos, such a flowing song that will instantly make with you wish it would lust for just another minute or two. Sharing elements of their fresh form along with the debut album's hold, it is an amazing gem. The former's forerunner is back to the Power Metal frenzy that had be addicted, "Travellers In Time". Other than the band's well written harmonic music, the song's key aspect is the front vocals, surely without such a vocalist as mr. Alexandropoulos, the song would have been just another in a sea of equals.

"Far Away" had me grimace at first due to its main lead guitar riff resemble HELLOWEEN's "I Want Out"'s undying primary melody, nonetheless, on its own it stands tall as an ultra-catchy tune that is sure to remain glued to one's ear. Joining in the marketable hysteria is the self-titled "Inner Strength", which once displayed musical excellence and a powerful vocal performance, and I could add "Feel the Magic" and "Eye of the Storm" to the mix. Lastly, there is the Q5 cover for "Lonely Lady". It sounded me like a natural selection for INNERWISH to take on, an exemplary performance for a song that isn't considered as one of the highly known hits in Metal. Largely, vast majority of bands would have picked a tune from a well-known band, but there are those that are also true to their own taste and not others.

Once again, no bonus tracks for this reissue version, but have no fear guys, you have a high standard packaging along with liner notes by Thimios Krikos that will provide you enough information regarding the album's era.

Although I need to focus myself on the next INNERWISH albums that aren't for review purposes, I see "Inner Strength" as their strongest effort to date. Buy yourselves an early birthday present and fetch this bad boy.