After watching them perform a magnificent set with fellow London Power Metal Titans DRAGONFORCE, I was instantly hooked onto NEONFLY from the word go. They will be releasing their second album "Strangers In Paradise" before the year is out and this album has only increased my love for the band.

NEONFLY formed in 2008 where they released their debut EP "Clever Disguise" and from that moment on things started to look up. This was followed by the release of their debut album "Outside The Sun" in 2011, as described on their Facebook page their songs are built for stadiums which I wholeheartedly agree with.

The album very successfully opens with the magical "Whispered Dreams" which I could easily have on loop; just everything about this melody screamed my kind of Melodic Metal song. After this the album only progressed with more anthemic songs such as "Better Angels" and "Heart Of The Sun" that would suit nicely at arenas.

Whether I speak for most people or not, we all love a good power ballad that will capture your heart; well "Rose In Bloom" and closing track "Falling Star" do just that for me. "Rose In Bloom" reminded me of NIGHTWISH's "While Your Lips Are Still Red" and ALTER BRIDE's "Lover", it contains all the crucial features of a ballad; a sweeping melody that shows off vocalist Willy Norton's best ability and a touching guitar riff. The lyrics for "Falling Star" were just beautiful; it was like receiving a warm hug when you are having a bad day.

I hope you gathered from this glowing report that I was able to appreciate the album in all it's glory after listening to it over the course of the past week. It's a great stress relief as it allows you to escape into an alternate reality.