UK based power metal band Intense was formed back in 1991 and have released six demos, a six track EP called ‘Dark Season’, the first full-length ‘Second Sight’ was released in 2004 on the Underground Symphony label, a new deal was penned with Napalm Records in 2006.
Intense delivers a great sounding album produced by Karl Groom and Richard West (both Threshold) at the Thin Age Studios. ‘As our Army Grows’ is a very traditional metal release with hints of Iron Maiden and Iced Earth, the vocals from Sean Hetherington reminds me of former Iced Earth now Pyramaze singer Matt Barlow.
The album is full of interesting ideas, with several little bits and pieces to discover, but never to extend that Intense could be labelled Prog metal.
Highly recommended for every power metal freak out there!
Recommended tracks: “Anger of the Ancients”, “Temptress” & “Long Live the New Flesh”.
