During the late years of the 70's, acts as ATOMKRAFT, MOTÖRHEAD, JUDAS PRIEST, RAINBOW and ACCEPT helped to lay the foundations of what is called Power Metal. But one must pay attention: the genre appeared in the axis USA-UK-Germany, so there are bands older than HELLOWEEN in the genre (so to say that "Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I" is the birth of the genre is a fallacy). The best to do: to say that Power Metal has two different incarnations, one that is represented by acts as MANOWAR, RIOT, VICIOUS RUMORS, VIRGIN STEELE, JAG PANZER, and others on HELLOWEEN's way. This short discussion is necessary to define what the Greek quartet DARKLON expresses on "The Redeemer", the band's second album. They're in a trench of the genre where the weight and aggressiveness of traditional Heavy Metal is boosted, using some faster parts influenced by Speed Metal, with melodies and hooks. It can be faced as a band influenced by North American acts (including due the wise use of aggressive vocals instead of high-pitched thin tunes, and the sober technical approach used by the band), but with some melodies inherited of German School as well.

But the band doesn't sound Old School or moldy, but alive, aggressive and full of energy, with many remarkable songs, full of catchy melodies and choruses that are easy to sing along. They balance things in a homogeneous and great way, indeed, turning the audition easy and joyful to anyone. The recordings, production, mixing and mastering of "The Redeemer" were done by George Dovolos and the quartet at Esoteron Studios, Athens (only the vocals were recorded at Dark Water Studios by Stathis Pavlantis). The final result: something heavy and distorted, but that allows the band to express its ideas in an understandable way, easy to catch what is shown, but always with weight and aggressiveness tempering things.

All the songs are really fine pieces, and the quartet seems to still have more cards hidden in their sleeves (knowing that or not), but it's a matter of evolving. But even in this way, one must hear to songs as "The Redeemer" (a massive and weight song with charming melodic moments contrasting with aggressive takes, and what great work of the vocals and guitars), "Rancor and Agony" (where some German Power Metal traits appear, as the faster rhythms created by bass guitar an drums), "I Am Death" (another heavier song, this time focused on heavier ambiences), "Lamasthu's Claws" (impossible to resist its harmonies and melodic arrangements), "The Bloodstone" (some traces of US Metal and Hard Rock can be detected on this one, and what technical and abrasive rhythms), and "Way Back Home" and salute the quartet by applauding their efforts. Yes, "The Redeemer" is truly a fine piece of music.

Listen to "The Redeemer" and praise DARKLON's music. And, of course, enjoy it as it deserves!