SCREAMING SHADOWS “Night Keeper” /CD/

The fourth full-length studio album by Italian Heavy Metal band.
Screaming Shadows draw just as much on traditional Heavy Metal as on Power Metal. In fact, the tunes on this release are perfectly balanced traditional Metal and Power Metal. First off, there are plenty of NWOBHM inspired twin guitar leads, and a lot of the riffage is reminiscent of the style of riffing heard on 80s classics by acts like Accept and Judas Priest. And these elements are seamlessly combined with Euro Power Metal elements such as the double bass drums and the sixteenth note guitar picking. On top of that, there are even some Progressive elements in the form of classical Spanish breakdowns in the middle of songs, surprising changes a-la Iron Maiden and other nice little details.
Speaking of Iron Maiden, the vocals seem very Bruce Dickinson-inspired at times, but we are not really dealing with a clone here, but just a vocalist that makes use of some of the same powerful vocal techniques, and there is nothing at all wrong with that.
"Night Keeper" is a powerful metal album that successfully combines Maiden-inspired traditional Metal and the best from Euro Power Metal, and is definitely recommended to those who are looking for some cheeseless Heavy/Power Metal!
Jolly Roger Records, 2011 (JRR028). Made in Italy. Pressed in Germany. First press.


Tracklist:
1. Holy Knights 4:24
2. Planet X 5:25
3. Midnight 3:41
4. Who Dares Wins 3:10
5. In The Dawn Of Time 6:02
6. Black Rain 1:38
7. Night Keeper 3:57
8. Angel Of Darkness 1:05
9. Free Again 4:32
10. Lord Of The Sea 5:26
11. Cherokee Spirit 0:57
12. Wild Horses 6:35
Total playing time: 46:52 min.