POWER SURGE - Shadows Warning CD + OBI

Those who hear "POWER SURGE" might think of the Overkill album "Taking Over," meaning first-class 80s thrash—and they wouldn't be far off the mark, as POWER SURGE aren't that far removed from American metal. Their debut album is only slightly more at home in power metal than thrash metal. It offers plenty of melody in what is perhaps the most typical lineup for a metal band: two guitars (sharing lead vocals), bass, drums, and a frontman with powerful vocals. What's more unusual is that the musicians hail from Belgrade, Zagreb, and London. But what would have been impossible in the 1980s is now, thanks to the internet and freedom of travel, a way to make music together across borders. The title track, "Shadows Warning," is also the opener and starts off at an uptempo pace. A guitar solo and a (short) slow interlude demonstrate that POWER SURGE construct their songs skillfully and with variety. The band maintains this consistent tempo throughout the entire recording. Always strong: the shared solos, which allow the guitar(s) to dominate the sound in a positive sense. Further solid evidence of the band's connection to 80s metal is 'Carry On,' a cover of the Serbian band Warriors from 1984. What's special about this track is that it features Dejana Garcevic and Vlad Invictus of Claymorean as guest musicians. The fact that the band, led by frontman Roko Nikolic and six-string guitarist Srdjan Bilic, also underscores its connection to metal from the former Yugoslavia is another appealing feature. The nine tracks, with a playing time of approximately 42 minutes, will be available digitally, on CD, and on vinyl starting May 2nd.

Japanese edition, second press with OBI.

1. Shadows Warning

2. A Dream Into A Nightmare

3. Breathe New Life

4. With The Dawning

5. No Turning Back

6. Calm Before The Storm

7. Carry On

8. Last Man Standing

9. Burnout
10. Last Man Standing (Live)
11. A Dream Into A Nightmare (Live)