2013's 'Symphony Of Sin' was a tough act to follow but if any band can top a masterpiece is multi-national Melodic Metal quintet EDEN'S CURSE can. They have done so with their latest release 'Cardinal' and like 'Symphony Of Sin' it contains a great selection of immense melodies created by impeccable talent.

This is the second studio album to feature vocalist Nikola Mijic; his voice still offers power and might, if this doesn't say he has settled into the band then who knows what will. This is also the first studio album to feature drummer John Clelland and new master of the keys Christian 'Chrism' Pulkkienen. So does new talent necessarily mean epic development? In this case is most certainly does.

It starts off with an opening belter 'Prophets of Doom', which is a perfect name for a track on a Metal album. The lyric "We are the voices of discontent" will more than likely be sung by crowds across venues when they perform live. There are more than a few belters on this album that will make metalheads want to headbang wherever they happen to be. Each track has a different vibe and offers something unique for whatever mood you happen to be in.

 For example you could be feeling completely empowered and ready to go one minute with a belter like 'The Great Pretender' with its contents of vast riffs and a great melody, the next minute you can yourself being swept into the happy go lucky vibes of 'Unconditional' featuring the beautiful voice of Metal siren Liv Kristine perfectly harmonising with Mijic's immaculate tones.

A little side note? "And now for something completely different" is something you might find yourself saying in a MONTY PYTHON manner when you hear the funky bassline and RED HOT CHILI PEPER-esque guitar work 'Kingdom Of Solitude' after a ballad like 'Find My Way'.

It is more than safe to say that this album with new Cursed material was certainly worth the wait. Long time fans will not be disappointed with this new portfolio of fresh sounding songs.