LIONSOUL is a definitively Power Metal band from Italy. "Welcome Storm" is their 3^rd release, they released a debut full-length in 2013 and an EP in 2015, so they have been quite busy. But it has paid off; "Welcome Storm" kicks some serious ass. Everything about it is as Power Metal as Power Metal gets. The epic and expertly delivered vocals from Ivan Castelli (this dude has got range) center on lyrical themes pertaining to ancient Greece, warriors, epic animals, and so on. You get the idea. We all know exactly what to expect when listening to textbook Power Metal, because we all have gone through a Power Metal binge phase at some point in our lives, and if you haven't, you are a liar. That's my hot take for the week. The drums are quick and succinct, the guitars are chugging but thrashy, and most importantly epic. I love how the bass is mixed on this album too; so often bass gets lost in the mix, particularly with bands like this, but you can hear it, and it is great. And finally, the production value is astounding for a young band, which I love to hear. And it's not just production value with the music; the album cover is one of the coolest I have seen, ever. Whatever artist they got to make it, they struck gold. All things considered this is a fantastic album. I would say just about the only thing holding it back in a significant way is it may be a bit too textbook Power Metal to stand out in the crowd of bands out there already doing this. I would love to see some more creativity and originality to elevate LIONSOUL to the next level, but for what it is, it is awesome. If you like Power Metal, you can't go wrong with "Welcome Storm".

"Beyond Dusk" is an intro track, and if you're in Power Metal, you need an intro track setting up your albums. Nothing too flashy here, but the track does the job, and perfectly sets up the first "full" song of the album, "The Principal Warrior". This song kicks ass, it just does. Immediately the song begins with a fantastic chugging rhythm guitar riff by itself for several measures before the lead guitar kicks in, and we're on our way. Castelli's vocals are perfect for this sound. They are bright, accurate, and epic. He has incredible range. And in fact, his vocals remind me of the epic BROTHER FIRETRIBE (a project notable for including guitarist Emppu Vuorinen of NIGHTWISH). "Next Genesis" is more of the same, and that is just fine by me. It's fast, heavy, and a ton of fun.

Let's talk about track 6, "Iron Whispers". First of all, what a name. With a name like that, you have to expect something a bit more Traditional Metal; heavy, battle ready. And that's exactly what it is, and it's fantastic. It's bassy, chugging, heavy, and would serve as an excellent pump-you-up song. Also, it's a headbanger. Power Metal can be a bit interesting to headbang to sometimes, but this song lays down a groove that pushes through the entire song and makes me want to get out into the mosh. Also I cannot speak highly enough of Castelli's vocals here, he is doing outstanding work.

Title track (kind of) "Welcome Storm (Eternal Quest)" opens up with...CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA. AWESOME. Maybe it's not as big in scope as what we hear in bands like NIGHTWISH, EPICA, XANDRIA, etc., but it is there and it is very welcome to hear. The ability to demonstrate range like this is crucial in any band that wants to explode. "Lion's Throne" is a classic closer; it starts off quick, moves quickly in the middle, and then finishes quick. It's exactly what this album needed to wrap up, and gives a satisfying sense of completion.

Overall, this album was a pleasant and fucking awesome surprise. It is a classic Power record, and is fun from start to finish. If LIONSOUL can figure out a way to incorporate more originality and creativity into their music, so as not to become derivative, they can grow in a serious way. The talent is there (seriously), the brand is there, and the production value is there. At this pace, I would have to imagine headlining tours are in their not-so-distant future. And I'll be seeing them.<