Commencing their power metal journey in 2020, Swedish metal powerhouse KRILLOAN pay tribute to the legends of old in the debut EP, "Stories of Time Forgotten". Brewed from a lifelong love of melodic metal, KRILLOAN is the brainchild of composer and guitarist KLAS HOLMGREN, whose intention was to fulfil personal dreams of indulging a passion and transforming musical desires into a real-life masterpiece. With overt homage to the likes of BLIND GUARDIAN, GAMMA RAY and HELLOWEEN, KRILLOAN's debut release is brimming with passion and overflowing with grandiosity and epic pomposity in abundance. Jam-packed with razor-sharp riffs, striking sonics and soaring vocals, "Stories of Time Forgotten" is a year-long project of Herculean proportion, cramming as much power pomposity as you could possibly wish for into five epic tracks of audially powerful wonder, taking you on a glorious journey into fantasy realms through sound.

KRILLOAN announce their presence at the speed of light in "Into the Storm", with a layered mesh of rumbling bass and frantic guitar work, and drums effortlessly blasting, fuelled by the insanely insatiable talent of David Lanas. Alex's vocals surge and soar, his tone clean and vibrant, enchanting yet commanding, everything raging through this composition like something straight from the discography of RHAPSODY and HELLOWEEN. The pace of this EP is relentless, and a bombastic display ensues in "Yggdrasil" with a noticeable impassioned, heartfelt contrast. The guitar solo thrusts with prominence and dominates, with Steve Brockmann bringing fantastic virtuosity with his input, the band collectively shining and showing effortless synergy, really showcasing KRILLOAN's unfeigned heart and soul.

Taking an almost imperious tone, the march in arms piece, "Fireborn", excites with its battlefield stance, brooding with ominous battle-like sounds to start and then igniting with full-throttle power throughout. Melodious riffs flay and a shroud of Marco's bass warms from the core of the composition, radiating right through to the finale, with plenty of engaging empowering vocals. KRILLOAN really excite with how they execute their tracks, ramping up their abundant energy in "Moonblade", holding HELLOWEEN appeal with challenging vocals, driving drums and clean, melodic riffs, the whole track simply erupts and hits your sweet spot. This same energy pulsates in "Times Forgotten", but with temporal teases, dual harmonies doing their bit to keep you on your toes in the intro, guitar passages that penetrate, it's an utter delight!

It always excites me when a new power outfit presents, especially when I read that their influence derives from the power metal gods. KRILLOAN produce a sterling effort in "Stories of Time Forgotten"; my God, these guys have so much heart, and you can feel every beat of it in their record! KRILLOAN's fervent execution intoxicates, and you can't help but strike a connection with their tones of enticement. The time, care and attention, the balanced deliberation, thought and consideration that been poured into the mix and production of the EP, is apparent. The meticulous attention to detail within each cut shines, and I cannot emphasise enough just how pleasurable a listen the new release is. "Stories of Time Forgotten" is a triumph of genius proportion, combining uplifting moments that have you firing on all cylinders, and sporadic notes to unwind to and cleanse your palate. KRILLOAN is a band to keep a watchful eye on in the melodic power realm; the power masters' journey has only just begun!