Power Quest - Neverworld (2003)

Power Quest beat fellow Brits DragonForce (they're British, aren't they? There seems to be a bit of debate about that) with a debut album in 2002, and they had to compete with that band's large fame in 2003, but they've done a fine job with Neverworld.
It's not as consistenly fenetic at DragonForce which, of course, some would find relieving, but it is still very melodious, with regular, warm keyboards that are rather reminiscent of 1984-era Van Halen. Such songs as the title track, "Sacred Land", "For Evermore" and "Wall Of Souls" are good, while the concluding "Lost Without You" (featuring Edenbridge's Sabine Edelsbacher on vocals) is an impressive shot at progressive rock. It's an almost 11-minute piece that doesn't have a moment of boredom.
Maybe it could be lamented that Power Quest aren't all that powerful, but they are very pleasing to the ear, and should certainly be seeked out by fans of their genre.

***1/2