ARTCH is a Metal/Power Metal band based out of Norway. This is a review of the band's first full-length album, originally issued in 1998. The album contains ten tracks.

The opening "Prelude" is both ominous and regal at the same time, relying on keys to carry the melody and a marching quality to the drumming. "Another Return to Church Hill" is the first track with vocals. The opening chanting definitely sets the mood for the somber opening you first hear. It has a NWOBHM quality to it as well. Eirikur's vocals are raspy and delivered like a seasoned Bruce Dickinson would; with confidence and power. There is no shortage of lead guitar breaks either. "Power to the Man" is a more jovial sounding song, using more major key chords in the main riff, and it has a get-up-and-go haste to it. There is also a playful quality to this song as some of the vocals are spoken rather than sung. I could see this song translating very well live. "Where I Go" has a very pleasing acoustic and twin guitar opening and you can really hear a strong sense of harmonic songwriting in this song.

I suppose you could akin this to a power ballad of sorts, with lyrics based on a longing for his companion. "Metal Life" is more of a scorching number with heavily accentuated segues and a stalwart vision. The main riff is simple, but powerful and memorable at the same time. You can't help but air drumming when you listen to this song. "Shoot to Kill" has a similar approach, relying on the main riff to carry forth the sound. You don't hear vocals until nearly the two-minute mark. "Open Fire" is yelled a few times to make sure you know what to do. "Reincarnation" is the closing track, and I think the band wanted to make sure you aren't satisfied until listening to the entire album through, because it's a fierce and furious song fast enough for the introduction of some double-bass drum passages, which weren't overly used at the time.

Overall this is a sound that you would expect to hear for 1988. It's an honest effort from a strong group of musicians who have a clear vision for their sound.