Metal maniacs, rejoice! I am proud to present to you: FOLLOW THE CIPHER (the Cypher from Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty?); signed via the mighty Nuclear Blast Records, hailing from Swedish grounds - performing Power Metal, on their debut self-titled album: "Follow The Cipher" (released 11th of May, 2018).

Since formation in 2014; the quintet in question have delivered their debut self-titled album: "Follow The Cipher", 11 epic melodic Power Metal tracks ranging at around 42:47; FOLLOW THE CIPHER arrange an intricately designed formula of heavy-hitting developments and a grandiose manifestation of meticulous melodies and blistering savagery. Starting off with the introductory track: "Enter The Cipher"; I immediately get shotgun blasted with bouncy, crunchy & groovy instrumentation and musicianship. Full of energetic relentlessness and gritty rhythms, the band excel with dynamic complexity – rapidly swifting with captivating hooks, and progressively primitive technicalities. Energized with meaty explosions and a solid slab of enlightening entertainment.

Consisting of lead vocalist Linda Toni Grahn (who reminds me of KOBRA AND THE LOTUS' Kobra Paige); the frontman consistently conveys a concrete balance of stunning pipes, proficiently demonstrating elegant clean singing with a attributed aesthetic of rough complexity for good measure. "Valkryia" distributes organic dexterity from guitar duo Ken Kängström (SABATON guitarist & co-songwriter) & Viktor Carlsson, showcasing unprecedented elements which implement fluidly polished substances of unique stability. "My Soldier" establishes harmonic creativity, efficiently thumping speakers with pulverizing blast-beasts and thunderously rampaging onslaughts that will hammer your fist with pounding precision. "Winterfall" triumphs with unparalleled adroitness, attributing with constructive force.

"Titan's Call" has a borderline foundation of punchline silver lining, as bassist Jonas Asplind supplies with audible finesse - pummeling his axe with flamboyant contrast. "The Rising" is battle hardened with hymns of steel, embellishing on diverse variety with exquisite crushing from drummer Karl Löfgren - assaulting like a horde of horses frolicking through the fields. "A Mind's Escape" examines catchy efficaciousness; excelling with splendid riffs and solos, fulfilling orchestration and skillful adeptness. "Play With Fire" persistently keeps me engaged with the vast array of exquisite electricity, powerful ramifications and grunty raspiness from backing vocalists. "I Revive" shows off the dominate enchantment of the vocalization, admirable and commendable singing amalgamated with fierce strikes is all too relishing.

"Starlight" chugs and gallops with more graceful contributions of musical accuracy, coherently providing experimental fabrications and expertise. Overall concluding the record with the fantastic SABATON cover of "Carolus Rex" which is a considerable belter and respectful all round; I was pleasantly surprised with this discovery, FOLLOW THE CIPHER certainly outdone themselves and definitely should be checked out - excellent stuff.<