There seems to be a never ending list of quality European melodic power metal bands, and here is yet another, this one called Innerwish. Innerwish have a new CD No Turning Back, their first with Ulterium Records who also brought us Sinbreed's excellent debut this year. No Turning Back is claimed to be Innerwish's best release to date; I have yet to hear Innerwish's other recordings but this claim could very well be spot on, as No Turning Back is an impressive addition to the genre.
Athens, Greece is where the band was formed back in 1995, releasing their debut Waiting For The Dawn in 1998. Other releases followed, and Innerwish have supported many well known metal bands live, such as Brainstorm, Helloween and Mystic Prophecy. Innerwish's music will appeal to fans of these groups and others like Power Quest, Hammerfall and Nocturnal Rites; this is an easy band to recommend.
Vocalist Babis Alexandropoulos has a most suited and appealing voice for this style of music, the slower "Sirens" being a highlight, and joining Babis is the spirited dual axe attack of guitarists Thimios Krikos and Manolis Tsigos, both showing they certainly have the desired ability. With a strong performance from their keyboardist and an energetic rock solid pulse from the drums, this is a formidable outfit. Innerwish's inviting music is heavy as to be expected with ample melody flowing through ensuing this release should have a wide ranging appeal; the only non metal track is the closing piano/vocal ballad "Live For My Own". Their experience is evident on this CD, the songs are well structured with various tempos on offer and the production fits perfectly, all helping to elevate the band up the melodic metal ratings ladder.
Innerwish are a talented metal group. No Turning Back is no track skipper once the hard driving riffs and double kicks of "The Sign Of Our Lives" commence, and there is plenty to keep you hooked after that.
Track list:
1. THE SIGNS OF OUR LIVES
2. CHOSEN ONE
3. BURNING DESIRES
4. NO TURNING BACK
5. SIRENS
6. SAVE US
7. LAST BREATH
8. LAWMAKER
9. WELCOME TO MY WORLD
10. KINGDOM OF OUR PRIME
11. FULL OF LUST
12. LIVE FOR MY OWN