Power Quest - Magic Never Dies (2005)

I've said before that Power Quest is an ideal band to demonstrate to the not-we what power metal is all about (well, I wrote something like that), and this, their third album enforces that view.
At its best, Magic Never Dies typifies so much of the genre, with its blending of guitars and shimmering keyboards by main songwriter Steve Williams, speedy rhythms (but with variations throughout) and flying melodies. Songs like "Galaxies Unknown", "Diamond Sky", "Children Of The Dream" and "Strike Force" are why so many people love this type of music; they are so sublime, and Alessio Garavello's lovely vocals are the icing on the cake.
There are weak moments, certainly, particularly the sappy, broken-heart ballad "The Message", which would have been better off ejected into a black hole. But there's so much to admire and enjoy here, that they can be overlooked. 
Power Quest might not have the dynamism or breathaking thrillride skills of fellow Brits DragonForce, but they remain a winning band who demand inclusion in any power metal fan's collection.  May their magic never die.

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