I'm Not Afraid - mp3

This is the second (full length) release from this pedestal collection of metalheads, and a strong blend of distortion and melody is once again showcased. Very good songwriting is featured throughout, which helps to make this a very satisfying and consistent release. A small (and somewhat puzzling) note, however: An e.p. was released for the "Back For My Life" single, which contained several non-album tracks -- which were actually extremely strong cuts! I just wonder why they were left off the full-length album. Ah well ... if you like what you hear here, then search out that e.p., too.
Some underlying guitar work moves through "Crimson Rider," and the aforementioned "Back For My Life" is mid-paced with some good Jorn Lande vocals.
"I’m Not Afraid" is smooth and melodic, but maintains a heavy base, while "Headbanger’s Ballroom" is grinding from the start. The axework in "Dark From the Dying" is both chunky and strutting, "Into the Arena" is strong, and both "Falling Sparrow" and "Black in the Burn" are pleasant to the power/prog/melodic metal ear, as well.

TRACK LIST: Crimson Rider/Back For My Life/Wounds/I’m Not Afraid/Headbanger’s Ballroom/After This War/Into the Arena/Dark From the Dying/Falling Sparrow/Black in the Burn