Did anybody order order Celtic symphonic power metal with a 90s thrash influence and only clean vocals? Anybody? Nobody? Shit. Regardless, here comes OSYRON with their latest full length release, KINGSBANE. And you know what? This stuff actually kind of grooves. I can't say it's the best metal album I've ever heard, far from it. Its flaws run deep and it's ultimately a dated effort at a worn out genre of metal. The vocals are magnificently performed from a technical standpoint, including some high notes that seem to be borderline unreal. But sadly they're overshadowed by the fact that they, like the entire album, are dated. Power metal vocals with a 90s motif can be performed as amazingly as you want, but the fact that it is 2017 and not 2001 remains.

Truly, the savior of this album and what gives it some sense of purpose and fulfillment is the brilliant guitar work. Some fantastic rhythm guitar riffs that bring out the heavier side of OSYRON, including lines that have a djentier feel. Ultimately however the guitars are still rooted in the 90s thrash/power/speed metal sound, which is tired. But, when they do get a bit heavier and more modern, it really grooves well. Those were some of the most head banging inducing moments of the album, and not the long winded lead guitar solos. Which is sad, because the riffs are performed with finesse and perfection. But, if something's been done too many times before, it's simply been done too many times before.

But is this album bad? No, not at all. It is dated, and it is flawed. But it is also a technically sound, well performed, and strongly produced effort. These are musicians who know their craft and know how to achieve the sound they want to create. I would urge them to push the boundaries of the genre they've entered and create something that is unlike anything heard before, as opposed to a another generic power metal rehash. This album finds a pleasant compromise between new and old by bringing a lot to the table in terms of talented songwriting, but it still holds itself back in style and execution.

Instrumental opener "From Ashes" is depressingly boring, and all it does is serve to delay what's coming and jeopardize interest, it does not elevate the album. If you are going to have an instrumental opener, it can't be obligatory.

The first metal track of the album, track 2 "To War" actually starts off on a very positive note, with a very interesting and catchy bass filled riff that keeps things moving in a chunkier direction. It's interesting, and I can feel the headbang coming, but then it devolves into a generic speed metal riff, and the illusion is shattered. Which is a bummer, because the performance from a technical standpoint is highly skilled and well thought out. Then, the 90s power metal vocals that are well performed but tired. Fortunately, we do get more of the bassier and rhythmic riffs in the verses.

Track 3 "Razor's Wind" is a Celtic laden epic that features some of the most soothing and seductive vocals from Reed, but it is inconsistent. It bounces back and forth between soft folk power ballad and celtic metal epic. It's a weird contrast, and it doesn't work well.

Track 5 "Griefmaker" is the choice track of the album. More stellar rhythm guitar and bass work, perfectly twisting in unison in fantastically catchy riffs that would make for a fantastic live set. This is one of the most exciting and complete tracks on the album. It's a clear indicator of OSYRON'S potential and promise, despite the issues at hand.

 Album closer "Kingmaker" starts off with a gorgeous symphonic melody. The album should have began with a melody of equal caliber. Again, we can clearly see that OSYRON is capable of, with all the pieces out in place. The song then movies into my single favorite riff of the album, and then a gorgeous verse carried by Reed's epic vocals, with the groove metal guitar pulsating the track forward. It's a strong way to finish the album.

OSYRON starts the album weakly, and the issues presented early do plague the entirety of the album. But, they show many moments of brilliance, the album manages to pick some momentum in the middle with "Griefmaker", and it closes on a strong note. That's about all you can ask for from a Viking power metal album released in 2017 by a band two albums deep into its discography. I look forward to what the future holds for OSYRON.