You might not have heard about this quintet called DRAGONFLY, but they are a silent force of Power Metal from Spain. They've been around for 19 years now, and this year they are presenting their sixth full-length effort called "Zeitgeist" under Art Gates Records.

First thing to notice about the album is the short playtime (38 minutes) for an 8-track record. However, this is what made the album a really efficient and memorable one. Actually, the instrumental prelude is a bit too long. However, after that opening track, they immediately picked tempo and energy with "El Guardian del Tiempo" (Guardian of Time). This infectious song is armed with catchy choruses and awesome solos. It also features multiple vocals. Right next is "Estrella Fugaz" (Shooting Star), which wouldn't step back in terms of energy. It possesses even more fluidity in all aspects as compared to the first song. At this point, they exploited all the instruments - especially the bass and synths in creating an epic solo.

"Alter Ego" is a completely different beast. It has Devin Townsend levels of production, and naturally, is so damn proggy. That is why I deem this song as the best in the album. It has so many twists and turns, and most are really surprising and mind blowing. While listening to the song, I can't help but remember PAGAN'S MIND and SKYFOREST. That's how progressive it is! Every moment in this song is enjoyable every bite, every sinew - and this song being the longest in the album is very welcome. Meanwhile, "La Travesia" comes in to neutralize the vibe and put balance into the scene. Unlike the all-out war approach of the preceding song, this one is on a mid-paced tempo and with a much heavier vocal production. Even being a bit slower, it never lost a single fragment of epicenes that seem to be carried along all throughout the record - and "Destino" is another proof. The said song contains the speed of GAMMA RAY, the icy feel of SONATA ARCTICA, and the positive spirit of DRAGONFORCE.

Talking about surprises, this track called "Un Ultimo Adios" (One last farewell) exists. This track is the most daring song in the album. Being an acoustic ballad, this is a quite awkward insertion to the album - but a very welcome one! I've said this before, and I'll say it again this time: power ballads are fucking awesome! (you can't change my mind so better shut up). This song is a basic example of a good power ballad - deeply emotional and spirited.

"Solo Depende de Ti" finishes off the album with a shred fest. All that they have presented in the other songs, they have culminated and compressed to this 4-minute song. The energy never died down, choruses are epic as fuck, and the overall mood is simply uplifting. Right way to close a blazing album!

With another awesome Power Metal album towards the end of this year, it looks like I might consider creating a "Top Power Metal Albums of 2019" list, separate from the overall top picks for 2019. Damn, the race for those lists are getting tighter each week!

For DRAGONFLY's "Zeitgeist", Metal Temple approves!