Power Metal was born in the USA, a genre used as an answer to NWOBHM in those early days of the 80's. But as time passed by, it came to be used by define bands with deep melodic work, remarkable choruses, fast tempos and refined technical work. So to think the genre was born in Germany is a wrong thought. But today the label is used to define bands that follow the formula created by HELLOWEEN during the days of both parts of "Keeper of the Seven Keys", let's keep things in this way to explore what the North American quintet PSYCHOPRISM plays on their second album, "R.I.S.E.".

Their musical efforts are done into something traditional in terms of Power/Heavy Metal. But as usual, the North American care for hooking melodies and fine technical arrangements (a DNA feature that can be heard on all USA Metal bands) is present as well. Then, anyone can be sure that the quintet is trying to use some unusual features on such eroded form of music (even the keyboards orchestrations have some elements from classic Hard Rock). It's really very good, charming and melodic, even in a form of music that is being used form more than 30 years. The production worked in a form that the sonority of the album can be strong, heavy and clean at the same time. And the balance is really in a great way, indeed, with the right instrumental tunes. One hears and understands, even if the person isn't into Metal in any way.

The offerings on the songs are really very good, with many hooks throughout the album. But a bit on "Struggle" (a powerful and catchy song, with excellent melodies and vocals), the technical strength of bass guitar and drums shown on "Faultline", the excellent catchy melodic contrasts between guitars and keyboards heard on "Beyond the Perceived", the heavy load of "Devil in the Details" (that bears excellent keyboards arrangements, even on the aggressive parts when guitars come shredding), the weaving and hypnotic appeal of "R.I.S.E." (the fractured tempos improves the melodic embodiment of the whole song, and what aggressive riffs and excellent vocals), the excellent work on bass guitar, drums and keyboards on "Moving Mountains" (and what a lovely chorus, filled with great backing vocals), and the darkened and abrasive contrasts shown on "Turbulence" will seduce the fans easily. But pay attention to the beautiful and intense melancholic/melodic appeal of the bonus track "Friendly (Re) Fire" as well.

It can be said that "R.I.S.E." is really a great release, and that PSYCHOPRISM is that kind of band that makes the fans believe that a stagnant genre still can bring great music.