During the rise of Power Metal trends between the second half of the 90s and the early days of the 2000s, the great number of releases on the genre not only eroded it to the point of exhaustion of the fans. It means that to have success into Power Metal today, a band must be outstanding. But without being in such way, the Finnish quintet DRAGONKNIGHT has a lot to offer on “Legions”. The band uses a usual model for Power Metal that’s not usual for Finnish Power Metal School, without technical exaggerations during the songs or ultra-refined orchestrations (they exist, but not as exaggerated as usual), but is focused on the creation of charming melodies and hooking choruses, great shifts between ambiences (as heard on “The Imperator”), touches of Folk/Pagan Metal (as heard on “Pirates, Bloody Pirates!”).

It’s clear that such elements are usual for many acts on Power Metal, but paying attention, this quintet tries to find a way of their own, and they are able to it! Mikael Grönroos (mixing) and Svante Forsbäck (mastering) did a very good work, bring the band a sonority that’s defined and clean as the genre needs, but thunderous and heavy as well. And the cover created by Tommi Aaltonen is really depicting a Power Metal release, but seems as a statement: the quintet is here!

After the intro “Ascendance - Through Sea and Fire”, be prepared for a charming and melodic assault from the quintet - if it’s not in the high level that their potential allows them to reach, it’s very good by now - because even using many clichés of Power Metal, it’s impossible to resist to their music on moments as “The Legions of Immortal Dragonlords” (excellent chorus and melodies, with aggressive normal tunes of the vocals), “The Imperator” (pay attention to the rhythmic contrasts of bass guitar and drums, and dynamical orchestrations), “Pirates, Bloody Pirates!”, “Defender of Dragons” (wow, what lovely melodies and backing vocals), “Storm Bringer”, “Astarte Rise” (what lovely song with perfect chords going from introspective Folk moments to distorted and grandiose arrangements), “Dead Kings in the Grave”, “Sword of the Northern Lights” (an accessible and funny song with heavy weight), “The Revelation” and “Return to Atlantis”.

As final words, one most understand that as long as DRAGONKNIGHT evolves, they’ll become a new stronghold for Power Metal. For now, enjoy “Legions”!