Seven years have passed since Norwegian quintet Guardians of Time
released their sophomore album "Machines of Metal Design". Album number three "A
Beautiful Atrocity" is as the title might indicate an album with contrasts. The
foundation is still European Power Metal with glimpses of US Progressive Metal,
but the span between the catchy parts and their darker and more aggressive parts
are wider. This is a lot more modern and varied sounding album, and it suits
their style very well.
"A Beautiful Atrocity" is a step up for them and sees them move away from the
Helloween inspired power metal they use to produce. The diversity is clear in
all aspects of this release, so do not expect another Helloween/Gamma Ray/Edguy-like
clone here, no this is deeper and more though through than that.
A very good vocal performance, eleven well played songs paired up with an
acceptable production makes this a solid album that will surely find it's
fans...