Swedish power metal band INSANIA have returned from a lengthy fourteen-year hiatus, with their fifth full album V (Praeparatus Supervivet)! The band disbanded in 2007 after the release of Agony- A Gift Of Life, and now have returned with the same line-up from that album with the addition of Niklas Dahlin. Initially formed in 1992, they did not release their first album, World Of Ice, until 1999 and enjoyed some success with their next two recordings in the early 2000's. With lots of time between the last two albums, the band hopes to rejoin the fold of a crowded European power metal scene.

The time off between albums seemed to have helped the vocal work of Ola, who after the release of Agony, took some criticism for some struggles at certain parts of the release. Let's face it, it's a tough genre for vocalists and hard to avoid the wear and tear after the years. The album starts out with the title-track, bearing the classic power metal formula to a song with fast driving drums and soaring vocals. A nice duo of solo's come into play before the song meets its end and the album seems to be off to a good start. The next track "Solur" picks up right where the opener leaves off and is a good sign that Ola has regained his form, along with the musicianship, as the song pieces well together. The track has an uplifting feeling and flows again into some great guitar work. Peter and Niklas do well to bring substance to each solo by combining different tempo and technical work to really differentiate and compliment each other's work.

The track "Moonlight Shadows" has the keyboards throughout that helps create a bit of an enchanted feeling, that allows the guitar to jump in between and takes the song by force. This scenario seems to be put in place on much of the album and in power metal as a whole, helping to create room for improvisation and creativity for the artists. "We Will Rise Again" may very well be the anthem for the band on this album and is a really great song. The guitars from beginning to end are fast paced and do not let up. We are also treated to a piece from either Mikko or Niklas on keyboards that is well received in this track and in most of the album, they are not overly dominant, but always seem to have a place. In the final track "The Last Hymn Of Life", that does not change as it soars as high as the guitars and together make for a dynamic piece to the band.

Really the only thing I see as lacking in this album would be the bass. Somewhat non-existent at certain parts, it fails to punch through at times where there seems to be a place for it. But the rhythm section as a whole does not fall short, and with the drums, maintains a solid tempo throughout. This line-up for the album seems to bring out the best in the band and should create optimism to continue as a group moving forward. It is hard to tell if they are just testing the waters with this release to see the response, or if they have really returned as a band.