HEAVEN'S TRAIL is a German supergroup, the brainchild of Barish Kepic and made up of former members from MASTERPLAN and JADED HEART.  Their very anticipated debut release "Lethal Mind" is an outstanding work of skillfully played metal and production, the artful songwriting and structure is strong in both quality and delivery.

From the very start the album is a highly melodic based affair, rooted in techniques not commonly found in metal, the title track "Lethal Mind" opens with a soft piano before it booms into an all out band explosion, IRON MAIDEN immediately springs to mind, but that is not a complete comparison, the use of keyboards and synthesizer gives the track an interesting texture while keeping the traditional drum, bass and guitar assault still intact.

The technique of effects runs straight into the thundering "Too Late" with again has an opening of programmed sounds, this is a fearless outfit who are obviously not afraid to try something different to give their music that extra dimension and edge, they truly are bringing metal into the digital age. At no point does the album relent, "Changes" and "Carousel" keeps the momentum at a level of kick-ass, solid and highly enjoyable, a transcendent vocal chorus against a well constructed wall of sound with the unique voice of Rick Altzi makes this a remarkable album.

"On The Rise" is an outstanding track, midpoint on the album, the backing vocals work incredibly well, not falling into a commercial zone, keeping it very real, the musicianship of Barish Kepic as he throws out one addictive lick after another becomes more enjoyable the deeper you journey deeper into "Lethal Mind", on "Walking In The Shadows" he uses an impressive layer of guitars, from Spanish sounding to metal screaming all the while a synthesizer builds the drama until the rest of the band come in and break loose.

A sensational Wah-Wah guitar opens "Voodoo", this is brilliance personified each member of the band hammer out a work of genius, it is effortless the way this band operates. "King Of Pain" is a straightforward rocker but interesting nonetheless, as the closer, as "Simplified" the bands last gasp runs its course, all that has come before it is summarized perfectly, an ironic name as there is nothing simple in the construction of this release.

"Lethal Mind" has shown the absolute talent which lives with HEAVEN'S TRAIL, this album had a wide reaching appeal, purists, new comers and those who simply love quality music will all find something to relate too here.