The thing is about European Power Metal, especially the ones that still indulge the melodic nature taken from NWOBHM and still fixed under the heavy influence of D&D and such, is that no matter what a band would do about it, they will always has this invisible flag hovering above them saying: "We Are A Power Metal Band From Europe". To be frank, it doesn't bother me at all because melodic Metal is the source of my admiration to Metal in general. Of course that I also like the bone breaking stuff, but melody is the most essential part. When I reached the debut album of the Swedish newcomers LAST KINGDOM, "Chronicles Of The North", released via Limb Music, at first my eyes glowed to the sound of the self-titled opener, which as it has been traditionally done for at least two decades, blasted with full-throttle clasping a widespread of great melodies and catchy riffing. Nonetheless, I quite understood the picture right when the second track, "Warrior Kings", slammed its hammer upon my ears.

Even though they are incredible talented, especially their vocalist Stefan Jacobsen that had some great high pitched sequences that worked out well for him, what I am trying to say is that LAST KINGDOM is no different than earlier bands like WIZARD, though without the MANOWARish figure, old era of IRON FIRE and RHAPSODY (without an overreacting shred lead guitarist). It is very much possible that it was their intention from the start, but who really knows (probably something that I said more than several of times before). When it comes to "Chronicles Of The North" I have to confess that for a debut album, which shares normally the basics of melodic Power Metal, is a good release. It is addictive, even with the reoccurring motifs of speed and unending melodious licks, energetic and has a knack to cling to anthem like choruses. So as you can see nothing is wrong here, but only the notion that has been running in my head throughout the listening that I have heard just too much of the same.

Don't get me wrong, I think that the opener "Chronicles Of The North", the amazing melodies of both guitars and keyboards on "Daylight Retreats", a little bit of progression and the same old message regarding us destroying ourselves of "The World Is Dying", "End Of Life" is another jewel of great Power Metal, I really like the main riff and incredible chorus and C part. To sum this up, this album is catchy, a great start for a possible prosperous career and for some reason I am sure that they will try to be a little be innovative in their next release.