Kicking off like the Finnish answer to Algy Ward fronted Tank, with a healthy dose of raw NWOBHM and garbled vocals, the sudden high pitched yelp, in 'Devastator', was a little off-putting! Other moments, the gruff, off kilter, voice recalls the initial pair of Running Wild platters, but there's always a strong sense of headbanging melody. The northern European nation has long been a symphonic/power metal hotbed, but only recently has it begun to rival its Swedish neighbor, when it comes to a new generation of traditional minded, old school metal (Speedtrap, Ranger, Armour, etc.). The debut from this heretofore unknown Helsinki-based foursome rises towards the top of that increasingly crowded heap.

A rollicking, autobiographical 'Lords Of Thunder' (ode to metal fans/bands), has a clean guitar break slicing through the gang vocal chorus. Some might call it Luddite or cheesy, but as one who cut his teeth on the initial wave, love the nostalgia vibe of 'Lightning Runners', and 'Lawmaker'. Most of the nine, simply constructed tracks clock in well under four minutes, with a 4:27 'Break The Chains' being the lengthiest ("Spikes & leather at Heaven's gate, by the force of metal, we'll break the chains"). Just four seconds shorter, the disc ending 'Witches Never Die' is, paradoxically, a slow (military cadence drumming directed) ballad/dirge, diametrically opposed to most of its surroundings. Denim & leather, fist aloft, another holding a beer: join us!