DRAGONRIDER is a power metal act coming from Bremen, Germany and having been wowing their fans since all the way back in 2001. This marks the release of their new album titled "Scepter of Domination" which was released in September. The album opens up with intro track "Melody of Light" with some strong wind sounds that lead into an acoustic melody and a spoken word narrative and guitar solo that sets up the tone of the album.

Things really kick off with "Where Lightning Forever Strikes" as the band really jumps all in. I get a very IRON MAIDEN feel from this song. It has a sing along chorus and an uplifting middle section with some great lead guitar work that really carries the tune. "The Berserker" is a real head banger of a song. It has some really good drum work and a lead guitar that takes charge. Also present is a big chorus with a big sound to the over all song.

The title track, Scepter of Domination" is a very empowering song. This one has some really cool guitar riffing and some great vocal delivery from Michalis Rinakakis as well. From listening to this tune you can really hear that this song would make for a great mosh pit starter. The track "Call of the Crimson Moon" seems to be a little reminiscent of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal sound but with plenty of power metal elements present as well. This one also happens to be an instrumental song as well. Here her get some great riffing and plenty of kick ass guitar solos and a rhythm section that is really pounding away. At times during this it sounds very epic in feel but at the same time its very much a jam track too.

And here we come to the song "Grand Finale". This one opens with and epic sounding score as the band comes in with a lead guitar line carrying them in. The chorus to this one has a big sound that can also be looking at like a battle cry at the same time. DRAGONRIDER are really on fire here and are going out with a bang. The lead guitar comes in during the middle section and just takes over which then leads to a great twin attack guitar harmony. The final chorus sees the band slowing the pace as the song fades out.

With "Scepter of Domination," DRAGONRIDER are a real power metal band but with a bit of an IRON MAIDEN feel thrown into the mix. The Lyrics give off a very medieval fantasy vibe to them and delivered with great vocal work. The songs have a big sound to them and you can hear that the band had some big ideas for their songs too.