Even after all these years after the canonization of what Power Metal really is, it’s common to have in mind the German model created by HELLOWEEN, BLIND GUARDIAN and others (that in reality has its foundations on RAINBOW, URIAH HEEP, IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST and others). And it’s not a sin to check bands using such model on other countries (again: Metal knows no frontiers), what brings the work of the Canadian band MASTER SPY to a better understanding. And what is shown on “Maze Runner” is really good, but needs improvements. Frank Pitters (the Romanian producer known for his work with VISIONS OF ATLANTIS, EDENBRIDGE, ECLIPTICA and others) is the one who signs the mixing and mastering of the songs.

It is kind of organic and handmade, but trying to be clean and defined - a requirement for the genre - and heavy as well, allowing the melodies to be fully understood. And the artwork of Edgar Regalado is different from the usual, but very good, indeed. The band’s musical work relies on German Heavy/Power Metal, with very good technical appeal, charming melodies based on very good keyboards parts, catching choruses, and a clear theatrical/dramatic/emotionally appeal. It’s clear that the band isn’t using its full potential on the album, and that seems ‘imprisoned’ to the cliches of the genre sometimes, the vocals aren’t fitting 100% on the band’s songs (besides Craig has a good voice). It’s good, but still not above the norm on the genre.

The seven songs of “Maze Runner” relies on a safe shore on Heavy/Power Metal, but “Maze Runner”, “Challengers of the Unknown”, “Speed Racer”, “Doppelgänger”, “The Vigilante”, “The Storm” and “The Asylum” (where Blaze Bayley appears as guest on the vocals) are depicting a band that can leave these shores safely. Their excellent instrumental parts and good vocals (again: Craig must work a bit more his singing, but it doesn’t mean that he must be fired from the band, please) enables them to do such things. At least, “Maze Runner” isn’t a waste of time, but’s a sign that MASTER SPY can do much better than is shown on it.