Founding members Tony Richie and Lionel Hicks are back with album number six which has been 21 years in the making. For “Fresh From The Abyss” they are joined by new singer Hazel Jade (Ex Joan Of Arc and Elevation Falls).Since the albums recording there has been another change in personnel with guitarists Chris Masimore and Stoney Wagner who worked on the album, been replaced by Chris Young and Adam Wardle. The album written before and after the pandemic tested themselves with new and different ways of writing songs. Largely this album is about life and death “Fresh From The Abyss” is a a collection of songs that stops the clock and points to a moment in time or stands back, encompassing the vast ness of time ,space also living and also dying.

Start of the album “Last Man Down” has an intro full of anticipation when then erupts into heavy riffs with track picking up momentum, a razor like guitar solo, with great vocals a heavy but melodic track which instantly drew me in. ”Never Be There Again” a haunting keyboard intro with some infectious riffs overlaying in the mix the guitar solo is explosive Hazel Jade has a incredible vocal range. ”Monster” what a track! It has a modern flavour, catchy chorus, heavy drums ,some cool runs with hooks to match definitely an album highlight. ”Rage Of Angels” is just like the previous track a heavier track than I though it would be going by it's title! ”Abyss” a fast tempo track is vicious, heavy but melodic in the chorus .”Velocity” has a great synth melody that double bass drum pounding with heavy riffs. ”Dead lands” a great power/thrash metal track elements mixed with melodic metal touches in the chorus. ”One More Time Around The Sun” the longest track clocking in around 7 minutes long, a ballad as such, nice acoustic guitar melody ,sounding orchestral in places which launches into a powerful chorus with yet again some excellent vocals ,superb guitar solo an epic finale to this powerful album.

Produced by Toby Jepson (Wayward Sons and Little Angels) and Lionel Hicks, mixed by Mike Plontnikoff (Black Stone Cherry and Halestorm and Fear Factory) ,all three of them have done a fantastic job and the quality is there for all to hear. Balance Of Power have really made a powerful return with this album, 8 phenomenal tracks. Hazel Jade has an incredible voice ,her range is very impressive. These guys are back with fantastic melodic metal album and can certainly hold their own that's for sure despite been away for over 20 years. A new fan here! That's for sure with hopefully many more to follow after hearing this great album.