I discovered Ukraine's oldest, most respected and prestigious Power Metal band W. ANGEL'S CONQUEST in 2012 with the compilation "Few Moments of Our Life" (2012) consisting of different rearranged/Re-recorded tracks from all albums with their new dedicated vocalist Konstantin "Laars" Naumenko (ex MAJESTY OF REVIVAL), that was released in Japan by Quarter Century Flame, a division of Warner Music Japan.

I was immediately impressed by the mastery of their music inspired by the whole Scandi/Nordic Power Metal movement, today W. ANGEL'S CONQUEST is about to publish their fifth album "Taste of Life", the stylistic range is the same as before, following the direction taken in their previous works, keeping the same Epic spirit, the band continue with the high standards in their virtuosic musicianship, embellished by limitless creativity and neo-classical arrangements ("Fellowship"), pushing their limits with unexpected structures or complex passages but nevertheless keeping a strong connection to their specific identity a particularity hidden in some colors inherited by their native folk music ("Blooming Day").

 Without abandoning the proven qualities of their past work, like the heterogeneous elements and the distinctive use of a wide variety of different genre, the Ukrainian band is now focused on a Classic Metallic Orthodoxy with the mandatory Melody/Speed/Power tryptich and some new found intriguing Progressive virtues...Enthusiastic fans of acts like STRATOVARIUS, HELLOWEEN, and RISING FORCE will get their money's worth with "Taste of Life"!

Renewed in terms of composition "Taste of Life" is 52 minutes and ten technically demanding, catchy and entertaining songs in the glorious key of Scandinavian Power Metal with subtle Prog vibrations, the mix of influences is more integrated than before, the spectacular fast run licks in the Malmsteenian fashion ("Taste of Life") are completed by Ultra Heavy riffage similar to the German Melodic Metal ("Mirror Of Truth") or sometimes borrowed to the American Power Metal style.

("Revolution"/"Spirit Of Freedom") ...Of course, the music isn't really innovative, and if the W. ANGEL's CONQUEST team is not trying to reinvent the steel, nonetheless those veterans have forged something very nicely crafted, in a highly professional level, their Steel is amazingly sharp & robust and tightly performed with the typical fast double bass attack, and most of all enhanced by some pretty high pitched vocal lines that are perfectly performed and well merged with a more ballsy and medium voice mode (like in the modern day SONATA ARCTICA's song alike "Martian Gods").

As a fan of the aforementioned legendary acts, it was another great encounter for me...The year 2015, seems once again prolific, with a constant flow of monthly release in an high caliber category... Enjoy.