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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
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