Chalice are a four piece band from Helsinki,Finland who were formed in 2016.Early releases included a demo in 2017,which was followed by an EP "Silver Cloak" in 2019.It was not until late 2020 did Chalice release their debut album "Trembling Crown" through High Roller Records.Chalice's live debut was in 2019 in Germany at Chaos Descends Festival and since then they have established themselves on the heavy metal scene.Chalice are known for their heavy metal sound which also blends some 70's progressive rock,also with a dark and atmospheric northern melancholy.Now through Dying Victims Productions ,Chalice bring us their sophomore album "Divine Spear".

The acoustic lead intro "Mare Imbrium" starts with a calm influence,but grows with intensity with a fusion guitars,drums & keys.This leads into "Dwell Of A Stellar Trance" which is a full on barrage of drums and galloping rhythm before Verneri Pouttu unleashes his vocals,which all comes together to deliver a full on metal assault."Hollow Curtain" with its traditional style lyrics you associate with a heavy metal track and i quote "Face the fate,of the darkest pathways of time" with the headbanging rhythm and guitar riffs,is a devil horns in the air moment."The Pact " is the weakest link on the album,a ballad style track,which at times has cringy & cheesy moments,also it doesn't have the same feel or excitement as the previous tracks I'm afraid."Age Ethereal" on the other hand sees Chalice show their more melodic,yet heavier side to the band with some prominent and constant presence of solid guitar riffing from the duo of Pouttu and Haavisto.

Next up comes the title track of the album "Divine Spear" sees Olli leading the charge with his drum work,while the guitars harmonize in unison once more,a track which has metal energy and 80's nostalgia.Now the next track another ballad "Empyrean Liturgy" makes up for the lacklustre "The Pact" .The beautiful flute tones of  throughout make the track sound gorgeous, making this the standout track on the album for me."In From The Cold" has more of that classic 80's metal vibe,in places it steps in to a more progressive sound.The album ends with a track called "Aloith" which has a more darker nature & feel to the mood of the track,with some more soother sounding vocals from the Chalice frontman. "Divine Spear" is a valiant effort from Chalice.The album did not blow me away,but it was an average listen,no classic or anything new or groundbreaking or memorable,it was just a generic standard metal album, which I think that metal fans either like or won't.For me it was just ok,unfortunately it didn't grab me from start to finish like other albums this year have.