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Cryonic Temple: Immortal

Cryonic Temple: Immortal

Power Metal
Rating: 4.0/5.0

www.cyronictemple.se
Metal Heaven
www.myspace.com/cyronictemple

Sweden's Cryonic Temple is another Scandinavian power metal band that has been missing in action for several years. Their last work was the well received 'In Thy Power' in the Spring of 2005. Since then they have gone through some personnel changes and switched labels from Limb Music to Metal Heaven. My listening experience began with 2003's 'Blood, Guts & Glory' which was basically Helloween meets Manowar. I liked it, but then again I'm a sucker for all things power metal, especially if it's done well. And Cryonic Temple does their brand of power metal quite well; 'Immortal' will please fans of the band and this much loved (and maligned) genre.

The strength of Cryonic Temple's power metal has always been it's foundation: the ever impressive and galloping rhythm section. On 'Immortal,' it's even more dynamic and formidable. Additionally, vocalist Magnus Thurin continues to inspire with his tenacious versatility, especially when he mimics James Hetfield (as on 'Immortal' for one example). Yet, even with all these good things, the significant thing for me is the excellent guitar work. There's no guitar hero grandstanding or virtouso wiggling here. No, what you have is authentic blistering power metal fret work with heavy metal sensibility. Check out the aforementioned title track, 'Beg Me,' 'Standing Tall,' or 'Fear Of Rage.'

Generally, 'Immortal' is a heavier power metal than previous Cryonic Temple works; but it still maintains its melodic virtues. Where 'Immortal' fails, and this is the bane of all power metal bands, is when the power metal becomes ordinary and deriative sounding like every other band out there. Cryonic Temple nears this black hole on the average 'Freedom Calling' and 'Fight To Survive.' Where they shine is when they can step out of conventional wisdom and bring other styles to their music as on the masterful and inspiring 'As I Sleep.'

'Immortal' is another fine effort from Cryonic Temple, probably even their best work to date. Yet, they still demonstrate some inherent limitations when they fall back upon deriative, heard that before, power metal. Otherwise, I liked it and can easily recommend it to fans.

In Short

'Immortal' is another fine effort from Cryonic Temple, probably even their best work to date. Yet, they still demonstrate some inherent limitations when they fall back upon deriative, heard that before, power metal. Otherwise, I liked it and can easily recommend it to fans.

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