For my first review here on Metal Temple, I got to say that I was very surprised to get this little beauty. MAINPAIN brings us "The Empirical Shape Of Pain", their second full-length album since their debut in 1999. After their first album "Food For Thoughts" in 2006, they got to open for a number of other bands including BLAZE BAYLEY. MAINPAIN decided to try out new songs on their audience first, before recording any of them. This is why it took the band over 8 years to bring us their second full-length album. Each song has been tested on stage and fine-tuned with the immediate response from the audience. I have to say that it worked perfectly. Every one of the songs on this album is perfectly written and played.

Their style is reminiscent of FIREWIND; with some dark themes and great riffs in a Progressive/Power Metal style. The vocals of Ronnie Borgese moving from low to high pitch in an instant is showing us that he has a great mastery of his instrument. I really enjoyed all the songs of this album, but here are the ones that really caught my attention: "Cleopatra" I really had to stop what I was doing and just enjoy the massive solo of this song. Starting at 5:20 until the end of the song at 9:40, the guitars just go wild. From a slow pace going faster and faster in a progressive manner, this song just gets to you in an awesome way.

"Reflex Of Events", this song opens up on a great melody from both the guitar players. It is very well rounded, with solos in between verse from start to finish and changing the tempo a few times throughout the song. All this solidifies it has a great Power Metal piece. MAINPAIN is currently giving you 2 songs, "The Healer" and "Blood Arena", for free on Soundcloud.

In conclusion, I was very pleased with this album. The length, the sound and the overall feeling are all above average. If you like Progressive/Power Metal, give this album a listen, you won't be disappointed. I definitely recommend it.