There are times when the Temple readers see Ol' Big Daddy here committing bloody massacres against some bands. But if you follow my words, you must remind that I always hunt down clones, just those bands that really have nothing to say, just speak again what was said many times before (and much better). But there are times when bands really got the real idea and put life in their work. And the North American quartet SHADOWKILLER really knows what I mean. Their second album, "Until the War is Won", is astonishing!

It's a heavy and nasty way of playing the old and good Power Metal from the 80s (not what we call Power Metal nowadays, please), but with a new life and energy. It's melodic, aggressive and has a great amount of weight. Of course you'll feel their influences coming from bands from NWOBHM, as well (especially IRON MAIDEN), but they have a personal form of making their work. And it's extremely addicting!

A very good sound quality is presented on the album. The instrumental weight is well balanced, being heavy and clean in equal parts, so you'll understand clearly what they are playing and what they want from their work.

Their best moments: the aggressive, fast and melodic "Flames of War" (these guitar riffs are truly an addiction! But the songs presents some fine work on rhythmic kitchen as well), the great and heavy "Generation Strong" (fine and melodic guitar duos are presented here, and some vocals are astonishing, following the same style from Hansi Kürsch in his more aggressive moments, without being a clone from him), the hooking "A Price for Freedom" (very good tempos, great chorus and addicting riffs with some elements coming from Hard'n'Heavy Metal fusion. And perfect and melodic solos), the equally hooking "Survival", and the energetic and truly warming "We Stand Unbroken".

A true tutorial of how to bring a musical style from the 80s to the present, and another album that Big Daddy here must buy at any cost!<