I would most definitely be fair to say that Power Quest as a band and in particular main man Steve Williams (keyboards) have not had anywhere near their fair share of luck. For around a decade now they have been making top quality power metal whilst making precious little headway into the mainstream marketplace that say other, arguably inferior similar bands (DragonForce) have managed. Therefore the temptation to pack it all in must have been great when Williams found himself as the sole remaining member despite the excellence of the Master of Illusion record of 2008.
Therefore it is much to his credit that Blood Alliance is so upliftingly (Word doesn't like that particular neologism) brilliant. The Quest really should be given out on the NHS (Medicare?) they are so fulfilling to listen to. Joining Williams on Blood Alliance are; Andy Midgley and Gav Ward on guitars, Rich Smith on drums, Paul Finnie on bass but perhaps the real coup is getting former Firewind vocalist Chitral "Chity" Somapala to join the Quest.
Somapala has changed the dynamic of the band not necessarily for the better nor the worse but I imagine his vocals are much less acquired taste than his Italian predecessor Alessio Garavello. I have to say that I very much doubt that, giving the number of projects Somapala gets involved with that he'll hang around long but together the new line-up have genuinely out done itself.
Clearly we are in what many would describe as cheesy power metal territory here but as with "I Don't Believe in Friends Forever" from Master of Illusion Williams doesn't go for the obvious fantasy-related lyrics – "Crunching the Numbers" is obviously about the recent recession whereas "Better Days" could act as a self help manual given its theme of living the life you've got to live.
Right from the opening instrumental "Battle Stations" the band set their stall out with excellent performances from all concerned. There really isn't a weak link on this record and it is definitely Power Quest's best since Neverworld. It is a very strong contender for power metal record of the year and indeed record of the year in general.
Track Listing
- Battle Stations
- Rising Anew
- Glorious
- Survive
- Better Days
- Crunching the Numbers
- Only in My Dreams
- Blood Alliance
- City of Lies
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