GRAILKNIGHTS were formed in 2002, and they are from Wunstorf, Germany. The Power Metal outfit released two EPs, six full-length albums, and one live album so far. Their seventh album "Forever" has a length of about 36 minutes. It was released via US Heavy, Power, and Thrash Metal specialists Reigning Phoenix Music. GRAILKNIGHTS are different to traditional Metal bands. They are a conceptual band, and their main theme is the permanent fight good versus evil, based on the "Masters Of The Universe" fantasy franchise. This leads to theatrical stage performances including paint masks and colourful superhero costumes. GRAILKNIGHTS consequently deliver music that is a parody of a dark and evil Heavy Metal sound.  The album starts with the mid-tempo track "Yes Sire!". "Yes Sire!" is the battle cry of the GRAILKNIGHTS fans, named as "Battlechoir" during the concert. It is an easy-to-listen track from the first to the last note. The guitar riffing is powerful and supported by a few electronic effects. The melodies are catchy, and the choruses are anthemic. It is a short opening track, but there is sufficient time for a cool lead guitar solo. Altogether, "Yes Sire!" is a perfect song for future live setlists.

"Grail Gym" continues with the sound of the opening track. The guitar riffing is enriched with some effects. The vocals are clean and versatile as they cover most of the vocal range with a lot of tonal shifts in either direction. The melodies are catchy, and the choruses are sing-alongs. Highlight is the lead guitar solo during the break. The beginning of "Necronomicon" sounds almost like a musical. However, the track uses some traditional Power Metal elements like tight guitar riffs and double-bass drums, and it is a slightly faster and more dynamic track compared to most album songs. Key part is the electronic enrichment to the guitars, bass, and drums. Even more traditional Power Metal is featured in "Weekend Ninja". It is a fast track with plenty of double-bass support, epic and catchy melodies, and a lot of pace. The choruses are anthemic and "Weekend Ninja" is surely one of the album highlights.  "In The Eyes Of The Enemies" is the album ballad. Driven by the acoustic guitar during the verse part and powerful guitar riffs during the choruses, the melodies are dark, epic, and slightly melancholic. Highlight is the vocal contribution of Chiara Tricarico (MOONLIGHT HAZE), who adds an additional layer to the track. As mentioned at the beginning, there is an element of parody in the songs of GRAILKNIGHTS. "There is no snow in Bordeaux/The forecast lies…." may just illustrate this. While the lyrics are certainly funny, the sound of the song is well composed, and the lead guitar solo is an ultimate highlight.

"Grailforce One" is another mid-tempo track with tight guitar riffs, supported by the double-bass drumming. The melodies are catchy and choruses are sing-alongs. "Mighty Metal Maiden" is once again an easy-to-listen track with thunderous guitar riffs at times. Key features are the sing-along chorus and the extended use of the lead guitars during the track. The album includes a second ballad, and this is "Animated Love". The melodies are dark and melancholic, based on a guitar-driven and keyboard supported sound at slow tempo. Highlight as for many ballads is the very contributing lead guitar solo. "Powerlift" sounds more like a Pop song with guitars. There is plenty of electronic effects and keyboard use in the track and there is more than one reference to German EDM and Techno icon SCOOTER. If more proof for the parody in the sound of GRAILKNIGHTS is needed, "Powerlift" is the track! The album finishes a bit more "serious" with "Forever". It is a good Power Metal song with tight guitar riffs, plenty of double-bass drumming, catchy melodies, anthemic choruses, and a cool solo. It is no surprise that the track was released as video, and the YouTube link is provided below. "Forever" is a good way to end the album.

It was enough jokes and parodies during one evening for me. GRAILKNIGHTS deliver what their fans expect from them: a journey into the GRAILKNIGHTS universe. To understand the sound and lyrics of "Forever", you must let go and enter the journey. Technically and in terms of composition and songwriting, the album is flawless and well produced. "Forever" is a fun ride and it is designed for their "Battlechoir". Either you take it or leave it!