STEEL RAISER III is a Sicilian Metal act who attempt to play fast Power Metal like those German maniacs METALIUM. They race to have the steel resolve and alacrity of acts like AXEVYPER, ALLTHENIKO, IRON KNIGHTS, or ROCKA ROLLLAS, but sadly they lack the proficiency.

Vocalist Alfonso Giordano has a piercing roar of revenge scream reminiscent of Ralph Scheepers and Henne Basse. This is their sophomore outing for Pure Steel, and already the production values have increased significantly since their debut "Race Of Steel". That album has some promising songs, but lacked in quality production. This album strives for a commercial appeal at times, but the mix and sound are much better.

Most of the songs are fast, and very energetic, but they are also a bit sloppy, and at times a bit too intense. "Cyber Laser" is a real burner, but the title track has a choppy uneven flow. It is no wonder they have written a song called "Magic Circle", because obviously they love RHAPSODY OF FIRE, and MANOWAR. I would also include homage to both SACRED STEEL and WIZARD.

Some songs have annoying keyboard effects which do not blend well, and the soaring guitar harmonies are often times lacking. "Wings Of The Abyss" is a dismal power ballad that yearns to be STRATOVARIUS, but settles on just being straight and oblivious of any magical elements. I was so hoping "Metal Maniac" would be an EXCITER cover, but this too is languid and dull.

"Executioner" returns to the speed and blistering pace, after the god awful and deplorable "Love Is Unfair". The gears of war end their grind with "Chains Of Hate" bringing the album to an abrupt close. However, this is not a memorable journey, and this final slice scrapes with more annoying keyboard arrangements which want to be FREEDOM CALL or ANGRA, but sound more like EUROPE on acid.

I am sure STEEL RAISER mean well, but they have quite a ways to go when it comes to executing fine musicianship, proper enunciation, and overall mettle clarity. If they are still raising hell by their third album, I will take another ride on their fire. By the way, what it with the III after their name? Are they worried they will be compared to the other two STEEL RAISERS?