Review by JD on February 2, 2012.

Power Metal can be an religious type of an experience or could make us laugh and see the absurdity that sometimes comes with it. It is all how you perceive the music. I for one, love the fun factor that is involved and the power of the music itself. It is just that way, but no matter what you think of it, it always seems to satisfy something deep within the metal heart.

Spain’s Vanhalla have been out on the scene for about thirteen years, playing traditional Power Metal in the vain of 80's metal monsters Jag Panzer and Iron Maiden with Power/Thrash Metal elite Helloween, Blind Guardian and Testament. It is almost cookie cutter style of riffs going on various songs here, but there is this other thing going for them... FUCKING TALENT.

One listen to most of the songs here, you hear what I am saying and become instantly intrigued. Tracks like the Testament inspired Thrash of 'Inseminator' to the mid tempo power that is the song 'Heros' show a band that does sound like so many bands out there but there is a freshness to it that makes it addicting as hell. The album itself is like many that have been released, yet it comes across feeling very fresh and new as a shiny penny. A feat that few can pull off.

If you like cheesy yet fun sort of metal or not, you’ll still be intoxicated by the power and talent that is Vanhalla. It has become a favorite of mine, and I am sure that it will become many of yours as well. This is not metallic brain surgery or prog expansive musical 'shapes'. It is simple basic Power Metal that satisfies the hunger for what is needed, to headbang and drink beer.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship:9
Atmosphere: 9.5
Production: 9
Originality: 8
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.9 out of 10