Well, it doesn't get any better than this. Balance Of Power happens to be one of the best melodic Power / Progressive Metal bands out there. Sadly they are also one of the most neglected ones. Why is that? I don't know but I guess shit happens all the time. Two years after the release of their amazing Heathen Machine album, that also featured John k. (Biomechanical) on vocals, they decided to release a really massive package of a double CD plus one DVD! What a deal!!!
While most of us now await for their new album, with Correy Brown on vocals (Magnitude 9), this package has managed to keep me on fire for a very long period. This triple feature covers all the band's history plus it contains lots of additional info that not only makes it the best way to get to know this band, but also gives a spherical opinion for all those who have only managed to listen to a fragment of their releases.
The first CD, called Archives Of Power, contains thirteen tracks from the band's history (except their latest release). Some of the most stunning songs of power/prog are included here. Songs like Fire Dance or Savage Tears (just to mention a couple) could drive insane any fan of this music. Though I find it best to go out there and grab all their albums (since I can't believe they can fit everything worthy in just one CD), this one is a very good collection. The second CD, titled Heathenology Live 2004, is closer to the band's present: the setlist of this live recording is obviously based on the band's latest album, Heathen Machine. I didn't have the pleasure so far to see this band on stage but from the CD I can say they do a very good job. John K. throws a stunning performance. Some classics are missing but I guess you can't have it all.
Finally, the DVD contains the exact setlist as the live CD. Don't expect a huge live show, it is obviously low budget and I can't say that the audience seems to be participating that much. Too bad, but in the end the DVD concludes this collection in the best possible way. Of course the DVD contains lots more goodies (such as a biography section, bootleg stuff, galleries etc).
To sum it up, this is a must have for all the fans of exceptionally crafted music. In a killer price (well, at least here in Greece) this is probably one of the most honest collections ever released.