There's nothing wrong in my eyes, with building up a following in small doses. Forming in 2009, the band released their first EP, "Astronomical Minds", in 2012, consisting of 3 originals, plus their cover of "Godzilla" from BLUE ÖYSTER CULT. Now we have the follow up EP, "Queen of the Galaxy", following a similar formula of 3 original DIRE PERIL songs, and a closing cover - this time, tackling the BOSTON classic, "Something About You", from their infamous self-titled album.

Self-described as a Sci-Fi Power Metal band from Sacramento, California, I think that's an accurate description, as long as you understand their Power side is more from an older, American attack technique, and not really from the happy, European mold. ICED EARTH, KAMELOT, and a little bit of METAL CHURCH / FIREWIND come to the forefront when taking in exciting riffing, driving tempos, and nice harmonic interplay on all musical angles.

Ben Jackson throws down wicked double bass and then can be comfortable at a steady driving backbeat on the title track, which happens to be a vocal duet between Norman Skinner and guest female vocalist, Brittney Hayes. My favorite of the three originals happens to be "Space Invaders"; through its 6 minute arrangement, you get this blistering riff parade from Jason Ashcraft and Jearme Greathouse that would make Gus G and Jon Schaffer beam, while Norman delivers a forceful melodic delivery that is part Matt Barlow, part Ronny Munroe, but commanding your attention during the memorable, easy to understand chorus. Taking on Boston is not an easy feat vocally, as the late Brad Delp had one of those classic, high tenor voices, so Norman smartly adds a little bit of soul and grit to the melody while also hitting a lot of those similar highs.

Overall, DIRE PERIL prove that America still has great talent in the Power Metal realm, and hopefully their next product will be a full-length, as I think the quintet surely possess the skills to deliver a high quality 40-50 minute record.<