As all Metal genres that were a dominant trend in a moment or other, Power Metal (that was a massive commercial success between 1996 and 2002) is so eroded that only if a band in such a genre already created a name in the scene, or (if it’s a young act) must be outstanding to earn attention of the fans. It’s obvious that nothing is impossible, but it’s hard. But some acts try their luck, and one of them is the Italian sextet FROZEN CROWN, that is releasing its 5th full-length, “War Hearts”. With seven years of experience, they aren’t exactly a ‘young act’, but as told above, the days when Power Metal was a massive success had passed. But one thing must be said about their music: even without representing a renewing into the whole genre, their way into it (that could easily be called ‘Italian Power Metal’) is full of fast tempos (with those double bass drumming at speeds rates that would reach the light speed), very good and intricated guitars’ arrangements, fine keyboards melodic sheaths and very good vocals.

On this release, their potential seems to be sharp at its peak, because it’s so good to hear to their music, and it’s full of energy. What are you expecting? Andrea Fusini was hired to work on the recordings, mixing, mastering, and to hold the whole of producer as well, and he created a sonority that’s into the definitions used for Power Metal sonority: loud, clean and defined, in a way that their melodies and arrangements can be easily understood by the band. And Federico Mondelli (who sings, play keyboards and guitars on the band) worked on the amazing artwork of the album (and gave a help on the recordings as well).

The songs of the album are really jewels, and all of them can catch the attention of fans of Power Metal. And “War Hearts” (excellent melodies lay on the fast tempos of bass guitar and drums, and what great chorus), “Steel and Gold” (the speed decreases to focus on the excellent melodies, with charming guitars and keyboards, and an amazing chorus), “To Live to Die”, “Night of the Wolf” (a grandiose and fast moment, with charming vocals and guitar duets), “On Silver Wings” (this one has an accessible taste), “Edge of Reality”, “Bloodlines”, “I Am the Wind” (here the speed in on traditional Heavy Metal levels, so the focus is on the melodies, and the vocals are sounding so good on this one), “King of the Sky” (a short Folk/Epic instrumental), and “Ice Dragon” (wow, what great guitars and Folk touches) will deliver what you want.

“War Heads” is a very good release, indeed, and even not reinventing Power Metal, FROZEN CROWN is really a surprising name.