The German Epic Power Metal band WIZARD have been active since 1989 - so it stands to reason that as people discover their latest album material, the desire to enjoy the back catalog becomes stronger. Smaller labels like B.O. Records that released "Bound by Metal" in its original form are now deceased, which means that this re-issue from Limb Music is a welcome sight. Originally hitting the streets as their third studio album in 1999, I remember the struggle for anything in the Traditional, Power, and Epic genres of metal to gain respect and admiration beyond the die-hards as Extreme forms gained momentum - so 16 years later is as good a time as any to give this record another chance.

Songs like the speedier "Hammer, Bow, Axe and Sword" plus "A Nice Day to Die" intertwine a lot of Teutonic trademarks in terms of catchy, galloping tempos and a solid wall of power riffing along with the majestic, multi-level piercing screams and singing prowess of vocalist Sven D'Anna. Many would probably be quick to say that there are a lot of MANOWAR qualities to their music- and I'd agree- but the musicianship and construction also adds some elements of GAMMA RAY and IRON SAVIOR to the mix. And you can't go wrong with lyrical topics about warriors, gladiators, battlefields, and of course the praise of our almighty Metal!

The material varies as well throughout the record - the almost 7 minute "Unicorn" has a nice back and forth epic anthem flow in terms of the drumming and occasional lead break additions from Michael Maass that recall "Flash of the Blade" / IRON MAIDEN while "Believe in Metal" has the requisite chanting chorus backgrounds for promoting sing-a-longs. The 3 bonus tracks include earlier material like "In the Sign of the Wizard" that has more of a demo quality production-wise compared to the album, but I find intriguing to see the development of WIZARD through the years.

If you are unfamiliar with the band, "Bound by Metal" is a mighty place to start- and still one of their best albums in their wide catalog.<