Serbia's CLAYMOREAN formed in1994, but did not release a full-length album until 2003. They then entered into hiatus, and re-formed in 2012 with a new line-up. "Sounds of a Dying World" is the third full-length release since then from this Epic Power Metal quartet. The album contains eight tracks. Power Metal seems to have some staying power these days; perhaps partly from the insanely complicated compositions from DRAGONFORCE, and their notoriety from the video game "Guitar Hero." Not yet being familiar with the band, I eagerly dive into their new eight-track album. "The Road to Damnation" leads off the assault. A galloping rhythm, dark and powerful sound and varied vocal ranges are present here. Vocalist Dejana can shatter glass in the upper ranges-wow! Some neo-classical lead guitar passages round out the sound nicely.

"Old Mountain" speaks of "a frozen throne in caves below." It's a slower song with a majestic riff, reflected in some of the lyrics, and the vocals trade-off between softer harmonies and high level snarling. Towards the end, it picks up with haste and some thunderous drumming. Cimmeria is a fictional land of barbarians in the Hyborian Age, and the homeland of Conan the Barbarian. The song "Cimmeria" is steeped in battle lyrics, and the aftermath thereof. The chorus is a sad lament, with comfortable vocals carrying the cry. "Blood-Red Shield" is about a shield-maiden awaiting to enter the halls of Valhalla after falling in battle, her destiny revealed. The opening acoustic sequence is beautiful, and when the main riff hits, it has a despondent but proud sound; a life of battle justified. "Rage of the White Wolf" is an earth-scorcher with a spirited pace and a promise of the coming of a new age. Some of the notes Dejana hits are just mind-boggling. You need a strong voice for this kind of music and she does not disappoint.

"The Final Journey" is about resolve, and renewal. The slow, marching rhythm in the opening gives way to a more mid-tempo pace when the lyrics arrive. It's a straightforward sound that is easy on the ears, with traditional instrumentation. "Blackest Void" is the longest song on the album, at close to seven minutes. Bass guitar carries the opening riff, with a dark and lumbering pace. Staring into the Heavens, all she can see is the "blackest void," and wonders if this reality or a bad dream she cannot awaken from. There are some great tender moments from both voice and guitar here, a silent scream of sorts. I am not familiar with the band CLOVEN HOOF, but they sure tear up the cover of "Astral Rider" very well, as they perform it as if it was their own song. It also fits in nicely with the overall sound on the album.

The two primary instruments features on the album are guitar and voice. This is about as traditional as music can get in this genre. Purists will surely find this to their liking, as it is steeped in the annals of history for the style. Structurally the songs are very conventional as well. I was not looking for experimentation from a Power Metal band, but a little more diversity would have gone a long way, especially considering the power and versatility of singer Dejana Garčević.