The power metal band LANCER from Sweden is back with their fourth full-length album "Tempest" released on August 8, 2023 on the new German label Fireflash Records. Formed in 2012, they self-released their debut EP "Purple Sky" attracting enough attention in the metal scene to earn a record deal and release their sophomore effort in 2015 and thus being dubbed "future successors to the throne of melodic metal", while working with the world-famous mastering engineer Miro Rodenberg (AVANTASIA, RHAPSODY, KAMELOT). After a successful debut, and rave reviews at the renowned "Sabaton Open Air" festival in their home country, the band shuffled between several record labels and their original lead singer and drummer both departed. Recruiting singer Jack L. Stroem (VANDOR) and drummer Pontus Andrén the bands line-up is yet again complete and stronger than ever! "Finding both Jack and Pontus seems like a one-in-a-million hit! Jack with his powerful and diverse voice, and Pontus' technical brilliance and groove made them a perfect fit for the band" commented guitarist Fredrik Kelemen about the new members.

Opening with "Purest Power" definitely adds some heavier and crunchy riffs than on their previous three albums, and the influence of a new vocalist and drummer is immediately evident. They've stayed with their roots of "power metal" but upped the ante with a tasty morsal of a darkened edge, a great beginning. "Fan the Flame" and "Entity" are throwbacks to a vibe of HELLOWEEN and the magical influences of engineer Miro Rodenberg are brilliantly revealed. "Out of the Sun" is a lighting fast paced tempo with no time to catch your breath with the riveting and driving licks powered by clean, razor-sharp vocals. The title track "Tempest" is a hardened but passionate ballad with an effulgence of crushing riffs delivered with sweet and delicate vocal layering. A nicely complicated song with "Blind Faith" and by complicated, I mean diverse tempo with higher pitched vocals paired with breakneck guitar work, this is a true 80's 'grab your crotch, in your face' metal attitude rocker. Ending in a grand fashion on "The Grand Masquerade" with a theatrical feel and a monstrous backdrop of well-coordinated classic riffs and solidly paced rhythm section, soldiering and biting.

I don't think I'm ready to anoint LANCER as the new "future successors to the throne of melodic metal" (see above) but they may be crashing the party. They deliver some appetizing and tasty classic riffs while putting their own stamp on the overall sound. There's enough head banging and enough AOR to appeal to both sides.