Originally conceived as a one-man project, Detroit Traditional Metal outfit THEANDRIC kickstarted their career back in 2011 with their first EP "Up the Irons," the titular track of which was a 17-minute-long epic tongue-in-cheek tribute to IRON MAIDEN. They followed this up in 2013 with their first, and to date only full-length release "The Door of Faith" which heralded an almost decade long period of recording inactivity. Now sporting a full band line-up, they have brought their hiatus to an end with this release, the four track EP "Flight Among The Tombs." As with previous releases, this EP contains a mixture of fantastic and historically inspired lyrics, some steeped in Christian mythology reflecting the religious beliefs of front man Paul Tiseo, although don't let this put you off if you are not religiously minded, the music is front and centre here and is well worth your attention.

Kicking off with an atmospheric Church Organ introduction, title track "A Flight Among the Tombs" quickly comes alive with a killer riff and a smooth twiddly twin guitar solo, that gradually sheds its skin until it becomes raucous wah-laden Hard Rock. With some progressive tendencies in the riffing powering us forward it is a full three minutes before we hear any vocals, but with their arrival the song develops into an enjoyable Power Metal romp. Not far behind is "The Battle of Sherramuir," inspired by the Robert Burns poem of the same name, the approach here is absolute pure MAIDEN, as keyboards emulate screeching bagpipes in a more palatable manner than the real thing, the guitars launch into an epic harmonized folk-inspired riff that is classic Smith/Murray material. The piece is perfectly judged throughout and never allows your attention to waver through its six-minute run time.

Demonstrating their considerable range and versatility "Condemned to Death" drenches us in 80s doom with crushing tones, slow ruminating riffs and wailing guitar overdubs. There's no mistaking the Christian theme in the lyrics of this one, as Tiseo summons biblical imagery that will be familiar to everyone, while juxtaposing the downbeat dreary music with his vocal delivery which still carries all the traits of NWOBHM.

Drawing on the work of another British poet in Percy Shelley, "Ozymandias" closes out the EP by taking us on a journey to Ancient Egypt, with a classical introduction complete with mandolin sounding acoustics and hand drumming this track throws several progressive curveballs and treats us to an outstanding guitar solo as it weaves its way to the end of this impressive offering.

At twenty-seven minutes this is quite a lengthy tome for a four track EP, but at no point do you feel the band are wasting your time as they keep the ideas flowing freely, while the superb production and performances are a delight and the lyrics intellectually engaging. THEANDRIC surely have a full-length Metal masterpiece in their future and I can't wait for it.