• New Music Reviews
• |
• Archives
• |
• News
• |
• Submissions
• |
• About
• |
• 
• |
• 

October 2024

• Daytona: Garder la Flamme
• Fate: Reconnect 'N Ignite
• Frost*: Life In The Wires
• Aries Descendant: From The Ashes Of Deceit
• Fans Of The Dark: Video
• Radioactive: Reset
• House Of Lords: Full Tilt Overdrive
• Cleanbreak: We Are The Fire

September 2024

• Sinner's Blood: Dark Horizons
• Serious Black: Rise Of Akhenaton
• Eclipse: Megalomanium II
• SteelCity: Reverence
• Hydra: ReHydrated
• Heartwind: III
• Gabrielle De Val and the Dragonlords: Tiger
• Find Me: Nightbound
• The Nail: The Nail
• Timeless Fairytale: A Story To Tell
• Stryper: When We Were Kings
• Phil Mogg: Moggs Motel
• Pure Reason Revolution: Coming Up To Consciousness
• Jordan Rudess: Permission To Fly

August 2024

• Siege Perilous: Creation's Call EP
• Paralydium: Universe Calls
• Mike Tramp: Songs Of White Lion Vol. II
• Bite The Bullet: Looking For Paradise
• All For Metal: Gods Of Metal (Year Of The Dragon)
• Hammerfall: Avenge The Fallen
• Jim Peterik & World Stage: Roots & Shoots Vol. 2

July 2024

• Ironflame: Kingdom Torn Asunder
• Spektra: Hypnotized
• (Michael) Palace: Reckless Heart
• Mr. Big: Ten
• Dark Mile: Dark Mile

June 2024

• Kaipa: Sommargryningsljus
• Sunbomb: Light Up The Sky
• Seven Spires: A Fortress Called Home
• Atlantic: Another World
• Xeneris: Eternal Rising
• New Horizon: Conquerors
• Issa: Another World

[ More Music Reviews ]

Messenger: Starwolf Part 2 - Novastorm

Heavy/Power Metal

3.5/5.0

Website Facebook Twitter YouTube
Massacre Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 09.12.2015

Germany's galactic heavy metal space pirates have returned with the second part of their Starwolf space opera, Starwolf Part 2 Novastorm. As for the story, which is sort of convoluted, I'll refer you to the previous album review for Starwolf Part 1 The Messengers.

Messenger

And while you're there, continue reading to the last paragraph because it will give you a sense of Messenger's music. They play classic melodic heavy and power metal in the best German tradition. Plain and simple. There's lots of galloping speed and groove powered by the tight rhythm section and embellished by twin guitar riff harmony. These are followed by an abundance of blistering lead solos. While vocalist Francis Blake can have somewhat of a raw sound, his vocals and the band vocal harmonies add another layer to the metal, notably with choir-like gang vocals. You'll also find some symphonic notations, orchestration by synths most likely, in several songs such as Sword Of The Stars and Fortress Of Freedom. Largely, most of the songs are roaring power metal, you do get some lighter moments with Frozen, an obvious heavy metal anthem, with strong guitar harmony. Another lighter tune, at least in the first third, is one of two bonus tracks, Keep Your Dreams Alive which, just before the midpoint, roars into a power metal. Ultimately, I found the strengths of Messenger to be, once again, their solid twin guitar harmony and their basic and complete command of classic power metal. So, while not entirely novel, if you like the genre, the band, and their recent twist to heavy metal space opera, you will enjoy this album.

Messenger - Wings Of Destiny

Share This Review with Your Friends

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

While not entirely novel, if you like the genre, classic power metal, the band, Messenger, and their recent twist to heavy metal space opera, you will enjoy Starwolf Part 2 Novastorm.

Alphabetical Index

By far, Sweden's Eclipse is one of my favorite bands. Always consistent and always entertaining, Eclipse has been delivering their 21st century version of melodic metal rock since songwriter, producer ... [ Read More ]