At Vance--Heart of Steel (2000/Crazy Life)
Rating--8.0
The second release for this European power metal band, and it is a very well-played and well-produced effort. There are heavy strains of
Stratovarius, as well as bits of Hammerfall and Malmsteen. The vocals are strong and throaty; think of a
metallic Steve Perry or Greg Giuffria. A good release through-and-through.
There are a number of fast and intricate cuts, including "Soldier of Time," "The Brave and
the Strong," and "King of Your Dreams". "Goodbye" is a good track, and the title song is steady and pulsing.
Some nasty, building axework chops through "Why Do
You Cry?," and "Don't You Believe a Stranger" is simply ripping.
An unusual treat shows up in the form of "S.O.S.," which is actually an ABBA cover! Featuring a
smooth flow throughout, it ends up being a nice metallized rendition.
TRACK LIST: Prelude/Soldier of Time/The Brave and the Strong/Heart of Steel/S.O.S./King of Your Dreams/Princess of the Night/Goodbye/Why Do You Cry?/Don't
You Believe a Stranger/Chopin - Etude No. 4
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