My first exposure to this Greek Power/ Gothic Metal band, RAGE OF ROMANCE has an interesting mold of sounds on this 8 song, self-titled debut album. Forming in 2010 out of the ashes of WINDFALL as three of the ex-members would join this new venture, it took the band a couple of years to solidify the lineup, secure the right female vocalist as a guest appearance and then record this effort.

Overall, the sextet of musicians certainly have more of a NIGHTWISH / WITHIN TEMPTATION foundation going on as far as their vocal melodies and central chord choices, but you can hear strains of straight traditional/power riffing in the interplay between Michael Tiko and Leonidas Deligiorgis on cuts like opener "Black Winter Heart" and "Shadows in Paradise". Vicky Psarakis straddles the line between gothic siren highs and a natural mid-tempo, heavier register - some of her best work occurring on the emotionally somber "Silent Fairytale" and the culturally charged follow up "Lorelei" where she slithers up and down in a snake-like, mystical way through the verses and addictive chorus.

In the end the songwriting is acceptable but not worthy of outstanding reverence. Especially when you take into account the thousands of bands clamoring to get consumer attention for this genre. They say you have a lifetime to create the material for your debut record - so let's hope the band really dig deeper within their creative hearts to develop strong riffs, more intriguing melodies, and an overall more original take on this Power/Gothic crossover.

I'm sure RAGE OF ROMANCE will improve as the years roll by - the skill level and ability is evident, now it's about channeling things in a better way for the overall end result.