It is fairly suggested that I just witnessed one of the prominent US Power Metal albums of the 80s, very interesting indeed. In the 80s there was a load of genius moments of Metal glory, a lot of them were generated in the US Metal scene, which made sure that the British vibe would remain recognized yet, with an extra over the cliff buzz and electricity. So thanks to the new effort made by Sonic Age Records, and their Cult Metal Records division, I was awarded with the sweet opportunity to entangle the reins of the Wisconsin band, SCREAMER and their reissued debut album, originally set back in 1988, "Target: Earth". For what is worth, I believe that the PR was spot on with the band's description and credit.

I don't believe that it came by accident, but the recent 80s Metal bands that I reviewed reminded me of the early days of QUEENSRYCHE, call me crazy, but gradually I came to the understanding that the latter had quite an effect once. Nowadays, they are trying to recapture the same old influence that once rendered them as mere gods. Anyway, since SCREAMER are in order, back to the issue.

"Target: Earth" explores a Sci-Fi universe and the burning minds of its creators. Musically, SCREAMER took the American version of Power Metal and went onwards to further improve its progress. By using the dynamics and melodic perfection of IRON MAIDEN, instrumentally taking the direction that made QUEENSRYCHE, CRIMSON GLORY and FATES WARNING such tremendous icons of their time, "Target: Earth" resulted at being a light in the dark, a creative form that at times breached the narrow shores of brilliance. The songwriting produced tunes that have so much to show for other than standing in line with the market. Hits are out of the question, only an artistic measure is in order.

Furthermore, both vocals and guitars show of force, you only have to listen to some of the solos to understand what I am talking about, proved to me that it was a shame that I didn't get to listen to their echoes beforehand, well shame on me there really. With that said, it was no surprise that such epic numbers as "Future World", "Time Master", "Flamedream", "Forgotten One" and "Heir to the Throne" present a firm stance of clear and enchanting brainstorming of a band that aimed to take Metal forward but still remain loyal to its tradition.

Cult Metal Records included a 2009's version of the tune "Heir To The Throne". A rather decent version, though I would have expected a remake for the album's true Progressive Metal hit, "Future World". Not that it mattered much to be honest, yet could have been nice to hear. The band returned only two decades later with their sophomore, and afterwards, quiet. Be sure to capture a true 80s Metal essence with their debut, don't let it slip just like it happened to me.