Since it came out of evidence, the melodic styles of what we all know as Power Metal came to be different. As you aren't in evidence, there's no reason for you to make the same thing that was done many times before. In the case of the international band ALMANAC, they try to put things in a different way. Their second album, "Kingslayer" is a fine example of how you can make something different from old Metal genres.

The first difference: the use of three vocalists, a male voice along two female vocalists. This enriches the album with many good and interesting vocals layers, along with some modern and aggressive tunes used by guitars (as you all can hear on "Regicide"). Their musical focus is to build good harmonies and some epic melodies. As I usually say, it's far from being something new, but it is really has its charm and value. In some of the lyrics, we can see references to many king slayings throughout the history.

The production was done by the hands of Victor Smolski, the band guitarist/keyboardist, who created a heavy and melodic atmosphere to the songs. But it the album has some very good aggressive moments as well, with a fine choice for the tune. All sound clear and heavy, so all sound fine.

Ten very good themes are presented on "Kingslayer". As the best ones, we can point to "Regicide" with its fine and abrasive guitars riffs, the energy that flows from "Children of the Sacred Path", the heavy and technical tempos of "Guilty as Charged" (a song with an aggressive and modern in insight), the 80s' AOR/Hard Rock atmosphere that fills "Hail to the King" (very good vocals and backing vocals), the excellent and charming melodies of "Kingdom of the Blind" (and what a good work from bass guitar, drums and keyboards), and the fine vocals duets on the heavy "Headstrong".

ALMANAC's purpose wasn't to be a cornerstone for a new Metal genre, but "Kingslayer" is an excellent album, indeed.