"Balance of
Power" is in the new-Metallica
or Neophobia vein. Darren
Ross fronts this band and creates a definite James Hetfield/Dave Mustaine vocal sound
throughout the record with bassist Warren Hammond growling the
backing vox. Darren and Warren also give the band
the typical metal outlook, while guitarist Andrew Durling and
drummer Des Anthonisz add an untypically eastern European
appearance to the band. And the sleeve artwork spans gothic, erotic, and
futuristic styles, with song lyrics to match in following with the debut "Form
Of Release". But looks be not the judge: this band kicks serious butt
and should be doing so for a while to come.
Standout tracks on
the album including the opener Access Denied, the title, Shades of
Hate, and the instrumental closer Majestic. "Balance of
Power" is the second album from a band who have some growth still
ahead of them but major potential even now