Metalium - As One: Chapter Four (2004)

Metalium is responsible for one of my all time favourite power metal songs, "Steel Avenger", from STATE OF TRIUMPH: CHAPTER TWO, and they have a similar opener (after the introduction) here in the rip-roaring "Warrior". When they hit their peak, these Germans are a knock-out.
However, they don't hit said peak all that often and, like with that album, what follows here, on this record of Greek mythology, with references to the likes of Medusa, Aphrodite and the Hydra, could be seen as a bit of a let down. But it shouldn't, for there is still much to like, whether they slow down for the pomposity of "Illuminated (Opus One)", or move along steadily with "Power Strikes The Earth", before concluding with the pounding "As One (Finale)". Their 'Shouting Choir' is very effective, more than ably supporting Henning Bass' crying vocals, and there's no denying the passion for metal the band has.  They mightn't always get it right, but when they do, the results are dynamic.

***