Human Fortress - Defenders Of The Crown (2003)

Human Fortress' second album is a remarkable leap in quality from their debut LORD OF EARTH AND HEAVEN'S HEIR, with a fine array of catchy, powerful songs, varying in tempo and also with touches of folk, as they sing of The Crusades, Roman gladiators and other such topics.  Topping it off are the great vocals of Jioti Parcharidis, helping make such songs as "Defenders Of The Crown", "Holy Grail Mine", "Schattentor" and "Mortal Sinful Wrath" fly. 
This is simply one of the best power metal albums of 2003, and it was such a shame they didn't release another one until 2008, because these Germans clearly know how to do it right.

****1/2