I said I would not throw around 10's as a rating to just anybody...but I sat on this one, listening to "12 Gauge" multiple times, and decided anything less than a 10 would be an insult to the band’s talents. The fact that there is not one track to warrant hitting the "skip" button, or a section that didn't make me wanna air-guitar/ keyboard, seals the deal this is a 10, and possibly beyond that.

Delving deeper into their more thrash oriented roots and influences than they did on 2008's "For the Revolution", Kalmah claim the title "The Kings of Finnish Metal" while still keeping their folk and power metal elements they are so known for. On the opener ‘Rust Never Sleeps’, after a slight folk acoustic intro we are bombarded by thrash drums and riffs that remind you of Testament's "The Gathering" gone power metal. The guitar work and nightmarish vocals of Pekka Kokko and his brother Antti Kokko (lead guitar) demand you to headbang and praise with horns raised high. And if you like guitar solos, the ones the brothers have come up with put other Finnish bands to shame (yes I am looking at you Children of Bodom). The epic keyboard sections and solos by Marco Sneck send chills and you feel each note deep inside the veins.

On the epic opus 'Godeye'" the blast beats open up and give the feeling of wanting to just grab a broadsword and shield and march into battle. If your looking for killer intricate riffs and solos, and HOLY SHIT! key solos (that put Janne Warmen back in school, yeah ANOTHER attack on Bodom cause compared to "12 Gauge", "Blooddrunk" is such a let down) pick this album up it comes HIGHLY…HIGHLY recommended.

As a bonus on the special edition there is a cover of Thin Lizzy’s ‘Cold Sweat’ which is also just awesome.

I've been saying for a while Kalmah can do no wrong and this just solidifies it. Kalmah have never been to States for a tour and I can only hope this spectacular album opens up the doors for them.