Powermetal fans that can dig an occasional grunt or scream should add another album to their wish list. 8-Point Rose hails from Sweden and has convinced me completely with their debut album. The band was formed by a few members of the former band Evermoore in the autumn of 2009. Things went fast and within a year 'Primigenia' (first born) is going to be released.

Don't expect this band to be original, but that doesn't matter. Marcus Nygren has a very powerful voice and can be best compared with Jonny Lindqvist (Nocturnal Rites). Every now and then he gets the support of Alexander Timander (guitar) and Adam Johansson (guitar), who are responsible for the screams and growls ("Relentless"). When this combination takes place, you can hear influences of In Flames or Soilwork, but in the end they are just a powermetal band with a heavy edge.

Nocturnal Rites is the band that fits most musically. A track like "When Chaos Rules Our Lives" is the perfect example for that. Also in most of the other tracks Nocturnal Rites is not far away. Dream Evil, Tad Morose and Dragonland are also bands that fish in the same pool. Crunchy guitar riffs and nice melodies make this album one of the better ones I've listened to lately. Contributions of guests from bands such as Morgana Lefay, Bloodbound, Andromeda, Avatar and Zonaria make it all complete.

Powermetal album of the month!