Album review: BALANCE OF POWER – Fresh From The Abyss

Massacre Records [Release date 19.04.24]

Balance of Power are a band this reviewer has been aware of, mainly for featuring former vocalist Lance King, but would never class myself as a fan. Balance Of Power seemingly went missing in action around 2006 and fans of the band were surprised and delighted at their return, with this album, their first studio album in twenty one years!

It marks a new line-up for the band too, with original members bassist Tony Ritchie and drummer Lionel Hicks, joined by guitarists Chris Young and Adam Wardle (although Chris Masimore and Stoney Wagner were the guitarists on the album), plus vocalist Hazel Jade, formerly with Joanovarc. Former members Pete Southern and John K also feature, along with the keyboards of Julien Spreutels.

Balance Of Power have certainly pulled out the stops for their comeback with Toby Jepson (Little Angels, Wayward Sons) in the producer’s chair along with Lionel Hicks. Mixing was carried out by Mike Plotnikoff (Halestorm, Black Stone Cherry, Fear Factory).

As the band stated about the album - “‘Fresh From The Abyss’ has been so exciting to make. Written in a time before, during and after the pandemic, we took a more organic approach this time around. We tested ourselves with new and different ways of song writing and the results have made us very proud to be carrying the ‘Balance of Power’ flame into a new era of our evolution.”

‘Abyss’ is a real corker with heavy riffs, a big chorus and the rather good vocals of Hazel Jade, who is a perfect fit for the band’s sound. Priest fans should grab a listen to this one as pretty sure they’d enjoy it.

At times she reminded me of Tony Martin with her high register, powerful Sabbath like singing on the likes of ‘Monster’ and ‘Velocity’.

They keep it pretty tight song wise too, only the closing song ‘One More Time Around the Sun’ clocks in at over seven minutes. It keeps the listener’s attention with plenty going on musically and the one song that has big, epic arrangements in the music.

Existing fans of the band will doubtless be rejoicing at their return and they have certainly come back with an album that holds its own in the current progressive & melodic metal fields. An overdue comeback that was well worth the wait. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 2 March 2025.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025

SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)

Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.