No, the title doesn’t have anything to do with Larry Holmes (boxing aficionados will understand the reference), but the strangely monikered German outfit is widely considered the best new hope in the power metal world (despite existing since ’97 and this being their third full-length: self issued "Testimonium" in ’04 and "Vale" in ’08).

Really? Opening with a symphonic and chorale arrangement, it’s not until ‘Nobody Leaves’ that any metallic elements are evident: ultra quick (ala Rhapsody or early Sonata Arctica), but with heavier drumming and staccato riffing. Can’t shake the classical influence though, it reoccurs throughout the remaining nine songs, including a backing choir on the title cut. Some have made allusions to Blind Guardian, but other than nationality and the odd a cappella vocal (‘Welcome Liberty’), not an accurate assessment. The strongest impression comes courtesy of ‘All These Dark Years’, which utilizes a bit of female backing. A lone piano introduces ‘Nothing Remains’, which eventually gets the guitars revving, while ‘Requiem’ has predominately pizzicato harp strings, synth and the occasional, unaccompanied vocal. ‘We Are Pirates’ varies from a beginning trot to full gallop come midsection, only bringing the concertina out for the final verse. Things get a little busy during the lengthy (8:51) ‘Of Downfall And Decline’ finale, taking a kitchen sink approach to songwriting with heaviness, acoustic guitars, gang vocals, etc.

A good album, even if it doesn’t live up to the hype.