Balance Of Power - When The World Falls Down (1997)

English group Balance Of Power don't really show any power tendencies here, being more a straight forward melodic metal band, although I've read they become more progressive as their career moves along. I haven't heard anything else from them yet, so it'll be interesting to hear how things evolve.
But this remains a first rate listen, with extremely tuneful songs enhanced by appealling vocal harmonies and arrangements, and a keyboard sound that helps carry things along.  Best songs include "Against The Odds", "Overnight Sensation" and "When Love Is On Your Side", while the lyrics are standard romantic stuff.  This is the only Balance Of Power album that had Tony Richie as vocalist - I think he stayed with the band, but as a bass player.
Overall, this is a really good debut, whether its characteristic of the group's catalogue or not.

***1/2