After the fall of Berlin's wall in November of 1989, all the countries that lived under a dictatorial rule imposed by Communist party of Russia (it doesn't matter the name or political ideology, a dictatorship is always the same), the inner scenes of them started to be seen by the world. And Poland became a driving force into Eastern Europe Metal, because many relevant acts arose there, as VADER, BEHEMOTH, HATE and others, showing the strength of extreme Metal genres there. But it's not only of extreme Metal that Poland scene lives, and SCREAM MAKER is here to show this aspect, as heard on "Land of Fire", the band's fourth album. The quintet uses an interesting combination: a form of modern traditional Heavy Metal with influences of US Metal (as ICED EARTH and SANCTUARY) with NWOBHM elements, and even some Hard Rock of the 70s and 80s touches.

It means that their music sounds alive, heavy and aggressive, but melodic and hooking at the same times. And what energy flows from the album's songs, with careful arrangements and excellent choruses. It's really a very good release, but you all must take care with your ears: it bites hard and down! The sonority of "Land of Fire" earns many points to the album. It sounds heavy and solid, with things being defined in a form that allows the band to be fully heard and understood by the hearers. And of course things were mixed and mastered in a point near perfection to earn their work the modern outfit that their music needs.

It's not so simple to say that a set of songs can be named as the 'best ones', because "Land of Fire" is extremely homogeneous. But as a mere reference for the lazy ones, it's not a sin to say that "Perpetual Burning" (a very good set of melodies contrasts with the melancholic ambience of the song, and what great work on bass guitar and drums on the rhythms), "Can't Stop the Rain" (as the Single of the album, this song shows some accessible melodic traits, and some elements the resembles NWOBHM as well, with contrasts between heavier and melodic parts, with excellent vocals and backing vocals), "Everybody Needs Illusions" (again a melodic scent that reminds NWOBHM and US Metal formulas, with excellent melodic hooks created by the guitars' riffs and arrangements), "A Nail in the Head" (this powerful song one bears elements that resembles Heavy/Power Metal ones, with a very good melodic appeal), "Dark Side of Mine" (again a catchy chorus is heard on these modern melodic lines that are filled with elements of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock), "Way to the Moon" (again a irresistible set of hooks can be heard under the mastodonic weighty of the instrumental sheath), and "Land of Fire" are the ones. But again: the album works as a solid unity, and it's not difficult to be heard and enjoyed.

Give yourself a chance, listen to "Land of Fire" carefully, and you'll be able to see that SCREAM MAKER has everything in hand to become the new great name of the Polish Metal scene.