Kilmara return with fresh energy after consolidating themselves in the Melodic Power Metal scene after their previous release “Across The Realm Of Time” which represented a change to their musical style. After welcoming new band members Eric Killer on drums and guitarist, producer and composer Carles Salse, Kilmara are renewed on all fronts. ”Journey To The Sun” brings a new chapter in the bands career ,the album tells tells us about the power and strength that all human beings are capable of gathering when we are united by the same purpose. They also tell us about the struggle to discover the path to truth and freedom. All of this in a journey to the impossible, crossing..

“Point Of No Return” a mainly synth based intro with some orchestral like melodies build the anticipation and intrigue which then lead to the title track “Journey To The Sun” a fast paced full on assault of guitar riffs, thunderous drums, very synth heavy in the mix, melodic shades with heavier moments too. There is a concept feel to this album, which is set in the late 80's in those arcade game halls, where first loves ,unbreakable friendships ,rivalry, defeats and celebrations took place you only have to look at the great album artwork or watch the title track video to get the sense of the albums direction. ”Alliance Of The Free” is one of the fastest tracks on the album, which is more slower & melodic in the choruses, some nice melodic guitars ,a very keyboard driven power metal track with some cool vocals .”Chances” starts off very much in a ballad style with some nice acoustic guitar, but in the chorus the melody speeds up with heavy guitars & synths, a melodic power metal track with touches of AOR.

”Liberticide” has a more heavier, darker feel with the heaviest riffs on the album, mixed with a dramatic feel with the synths giving a progressive metal feel to the track. ”Wildfire” is a full on power metal assault ,high energy ,for me one of the highlights on this album. ”An Even Whole” is an up tempo track which has a prog feel to it ,there are some lighter moments, very much a keyboard driven track with some nice guitar runs & solo. ”Power Of The Mind” is a moderately paced track compared to the previous ones ,lots of melodic guitars which are heavier in the choruses ,the chorus itself has an epic feel. One of the best tracks on the album. ”Take Me Back” features Daniel Helman of Lost Horizon which has a good balance between the faster and more mid paced sections to this track Daniel Ponce and Daniel Helman compliment each other well to deliver some great powerful vocals. “Power To The Sun (8 Bit Version)” is a catchy electronic instrumental piece which sounds like a video game you would hear in the late 80's in those arcade game halls with electronic sounds used to imitate the guitars ,very cool & clever. The Japan version includes a great acoustic version of “Journey To The Sun” which is a different take on the track making it a great ballad with softer vocals from Daniel Ponce.

“Journey To The Sun” is a good power metal album there is some different flavours to this album some melodic parts, prog, AOR and progressive metal moments, which makes the album an interesting listen. However in some parts I felt the synths & keys were a bit overbearing and could have been left out to make tracks more heavier and edgier. Daniel Ponce delivers some great vocals, with the rest of the band delivering some great musical moments. A good solid release.