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Golden Resurrection: Man With a Mission

Melodic/Symphonic Power Metal

4.0/5.0

Liljegren Records/Nightmare Records (NA)
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by Craig Hartranft,  10.17.2011

Golden Resurrection, the project of vocalist Christian Liljegren (Narnia, Audiovision, Divinefire) and guitarist Tommy 'ReinXeed' Johansson (ReinXeed) returns with their second album of melodic and symphonic power metal, Man With a Mission. Once more this album is a vehicle for GR's three fundamental elements: Liljegren's impressive metal vocals, the expression of his Christian faith, and Johansson's pure neo-classical guitar technique. As an aside, and not dismissing Johansson's significant skills, this Golden Resurrection album is light years ahead of ReinXeed's latest 1912, an average platter of melodic Euro power metal.

Above: The boys of Golden Resurrection trying to hold back the smiles.

Conversely, however, considering the prevalence of melodic power metal across the Atlantic, critics of the genre will likely dismiss Man With a Mission as simply more of the same (and the might be right). But for this style coupled with neo-classical guitar technique, this album amounts to a textbook for education in the field. Frankly, this is how it supposed be done.

Let's round out this discourse with some highlights. For straight forward melodic and symphonic power metal Man With a Mission and Identity in Christ are showcase tunes. Standing on the Rock and Are You Ready for the Power deliver simple and catchy melodic metal, with a big arena sound and sing along choruses. Golden Times traverses the ground of more melodic hard rock. The album ends with two cover songs from Kansas and Gary Moore, reflecting the peers that have influenced both Christian and Tommy. Point of Know Return is adequate, with little reinterpretation, but just get out your original and crank it up. Considering the guitar-driven nature of The End of the World, Johansson takes few liberties with Moore's fret work on this fine song.

Golden Resurrection succeeds where some fail, creating a repeatable and consistent experience from their first album. Actually, Man With a Mission could be a slight step above the former. Recommended.

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

Golden Resurrection succeeds where some fail, creating a repeatable and consistent experience from their first album. Actually, Man With a Mission could be a slight step above the former. Recommended.

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