Finnish band EXCALION were formed in 2000 with their last album "High Time" being released back in 2010. Since "High Time", EXCALION have a new singer, guitarist and bassist for this latest release, "Dream Alive". If you start to listen to "Dream Alive", don't be put off by the first track if you are not a big fan of keyboards. The first track "Divergent Falling" is covered in keyboards. It's almost like syrup all over the song. Therefore, you need to prepare yourself for this keyboard heavy Power Metal. Once tuned in, there are several good tracks. In fact, I would think this may be a contender for Melodic Power Metal best of polls come the end of the year.

Second track "Centenarian" kicks in with a keyboard run reminding me slightly of the "Final Countdown" by EUROPE. There is some nice riffing and then the keyboard melody repeats to good effect. More keyboard breakdowns and guitar solos follow. This is a nice track with good drum rhythms. There is a bit of edge to EXCALIONS sound and it's not all keyboard and melody. "Amelia" is a stand out track as it leads in with duel keyboard and guitar work and a fast-paced rhythm. The keyboard and guitar solos spar with each other well. I'm thinking fellow Fins STRATOVARIUS at this point.

There are less keyboard led tracks such as "One Man Kingdom". This is Power Metal closer to a BLIND GUARDIAN style and is a bit heavier. The track finishes on a dreamy vocal which leads nicely into "Deadwater Bay" with its eerie piano intro. This starts out as a ballad and then becomes a Pomp Rock march. Midway in, there is some acoustic picking and then the electric guitar solo reels off before breaking down into atmospheric keyboards and vocals. Total Pomp Rock glory, if you like that kind of thing.

"The Firmanent" opens with piano notes and you are almost expecting BONNIE TYLER to start singing until EXCALION start another keyboard infused number. "Man Alive" and "Living Daylights" are more straight-ahead Rockers, probably the most rocking tracks on the album with great guitar solos. Final track "Portrait On The Wall" comes in at 11:07 long and is a cool track. This reminded me a bit of an 80's movie soundtrack in parts. The vocal sections are Power Metal in style but the musical sections are well worked out. There is a bit of a thrash out between keyboard and guitars in sections too.

So, overall a good Melodic Power Metal album. Very keyboard heavy and very Pomp Rock in parts. There is just enough edge in the songwriting to prevent the whole thing going completely over the top Pomp. I know there is a massive audience for this type of Metal and I'm sure that this audience will be impressed by this latest EXCALION release.