Onward--Reawaken

Onward--Reawaken (2002/Century Media) Rating--8.7

The second release from this very Euro-sounding power group (even though main guitarist Tony Knapp hails from Wyoming), this is a big step up from the previous disc. There are prog/thrash tendencies (ala Angel Dust), but intricate Power Metal is the main driving force. A good mix of vocals, riffs, and pace, as there's lots of fast drumming, with intricate guitar work intermixed with solid chords. The vocals are semi-deep and smooth, but can also truly soar when called upon. A solid, rip-flowing metal offering.
Every track stands out; the highlights are numerous, including the fast-paced flow of "Where Evil Follows," the nasty sway of "Night," the steady "In Due Time," and each of "Eye of the Nightmare," "My Darkest Room," and "The Next Triumph Part 2: Reawakening".
"The Next Triumph Part 1: Remembrance" is a good all-acoustic, atmospheric piece, reminiscent of similar offerings from groups like Jag Panzer and Kamelot. An added bonus is a cover of the Loudness track "Clockwork Toy".
TRACK LIST: Reawaken/Night/The Seven Tides of Labyrinthine/Where Evil Follows/Eye of the Nightmare/My Darkest Room/In Due Time/Clockwork Toy/Who Saw the Last Star Fall?/The Next Triumph Part 1: Remembrance/The Next Triumph Part 2: Reawakening

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