At the beginning of the 80s, a great invasion of Metal bands from Canada took over the Metal scene. VOIVOD, EXCITER, PILEDRIVER and many more were the ones who stormed the underground scene with their classic albums. But since the end of the 80s, many of those bands disappeared, entering on hiatus or ending their activities. The only famous name from the Canadian Metal scene since the end of the 80s for a long time was from Thrash Metal maniacs from ANNIHILATOR. Today, many Canadian bands are coming back from the ashes, and some albums from the Canadian Metal scene are granted with a new chance. "Powertrap", first album of the Canadian quartet DISCIPLES of POWER, is one of these albums that is recovered from the past.

It's a mix between Thrash/Death Metal and melodic Speed Metal. The band has a good instrumental technique level, uses some melodies and very good clean moments. But they are as far from something different from many did on those days (we are speaking about the last years of the 80s) as old SLAYER (their greater musical influence, especially from "Show No Mercy" era) is different from BON JOVI. This lack of something different in those days would be a sin, because no one would give them a chance in this way. It's not bad, but it's just like many others from those days.

The sound quality is really a nasty thing. Even for 1989, this raw and nasty production would cause severe critics. You can hear all the instruments playing, but there's a moldy scent and it sounds hollow and without weight, as the earlier Thrash Metal albums did (not all of them, please).

Hearing this album, you can have the clear idea that they could be a better band with a good producer helping them to put out their musical potential. You can hear this feature on songs as "Powertrap" (a very good song, with fine guitars), the hooking violence of "Ice Demons", the very good tempos of "Protector" and "Night of the Priest", the fine melodic lines of "Hidden Worlds" (pay attention in the clean moments), and the mortal flux of energy that comes from "Disciples of Power". The last four songs, "Shades of Grey", "Power of Death", "Bitch of Doom", and "Disciples of Power" are remastered versions from the ones we can find on their demo tape "Power of Death".

They are a good name from those days, but unfortunately, luck wasn't with them...