This album is not a new release for these American metallers. "Maiden Voyage" was originally released back in 1996 as a self-financed CD and initially featured drum machine parts. For this collector's edition re-release (remasteredaudio, remixed sound) TITANIC enlisted the services of none other than their old friend Robert Sweet (known from STRYPER) for a new powerful sound. And that's good news for this album now has the potential it deserved from the beginning.

TITANIC are keepers of the Christian Metal flame the way sensational American White Metal bands used to be in the 80s. They're sound is classic and genuine, with enough reference to JUDAS PRIEST, (some of) WHITECROSS and BARREN CROSS while in more pompous parts the SAVATAGE name may pop up too. The 'ace' of this album is probably the typhoon of guitar riffs and solos allover; sharp, to-the-point and really impressive, the guitars push up the compositions a level higher to the delight of traditional American Metal followers. The vocals of Simon Tyler reminded me of a mix of Rick Hughes (SWORD), Mike Lee (BARREN CROSS) and Zak Stevens (SAVATAGE) and are authentic without any exaggerations.

Even if the raw format of the songs does not imply something like this, there's melody spread in many of the album's cuts. On the other hand some parts even tempt to cross the Thrash Metal borders, making this primal TITANIC album a general object of interest. Of course, we'll not have to refer specifically to the lyrics themes in "Maiden Voyage", since the patterns are pretty known for these bands.

Apart from being a 'dream come true' re-release for fans of Christian Metal, "Maiden Voyage" itself is a fine album worth listening to. Honoring the legacy of the 80s American/White Metal scene, it also brings on a 'rock hard, ride free' vibe and with excellent cuts like "Gods Of War", "Ocean Of Blood" and "Fight Back" (what a striking solo!) in the fire line it definitely can stand up to your expectations. In addition, if you ever came across any of TITANIC's later releases here you have the chance to see how it all started.

P.S.: The new cover artwork...could have been better, I'm afraid.