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Power Theory: Out of the Ashes, Into the Fire

Heavy/Power Metal

3.5/5.0

Pure Steel Records
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by Craig Hartranft,  04.25.2011

Keeping 'true metal' alive in America is Pennsylvania's Power Theory. Out of the Ashes, Into the Fire was self-released by the band in December 2010. Now signed to Germany's Pure Steel Records, hopefully the band from Tullytown, about 80 miles due east of Dangerdog HQ, will reach an international audience.

Power Theory's sound is representative of classic and melodic heavy metal with obvious influences from Accept and Saxon, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, and maybe a dash or two of Bay area thrash. The music is well-developed and performed with skill and passion by this four man crew, with particular kudos to the craftsmanship of drummer Chris Smith.

Out of the Ashes, Into the Fire opens and closes with strong heavy metal songs. Notable at the start is Prevaricator (look it up), This Madness is Mine, and Nightmare Crawling, all fine examples of power and heaviness mixed with melody. Later, Revelation might remind of a Maidenesque piece, and Slay the Beast Within as metal tinged melodic hard rock. In between, there's a power ballad When the Rain Comes Down with the necessary soaring guitar solo. Also, Power Theory offers an acoustic instrument la in Uriel's Tears. They add a little flag waving patriotism and tribute to the 9/11 tragedy on Never Surrender (Terror Time). Finally, there's the necessary tribute to heavy metal loyalty on Insane (Metal's Part of My Brain).

Power Theory is both representative of traditional melodic heavy/power metal and skillful at delivering it. However, several spins are required to eliminate the first impressions of an undercurrent of redundancy. At the outset, across the first four tracks, my attention teetered between interest and ambivalence. Nevertheless, in the end, rather than being suspect, Power Theory's Out of the Ashes, Into the Fire is exciting and original 'true' metal. Fundamentally, this comes from the caliber of both song composition and musicianship. Quite recommended.

Power Theory's Out of the Ashes, Into the Fire is entertaining and original 'true' metal; classic melodic heavy/power metal delivered through strong songs and skillful musicianship.

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Formed in 1999 by singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Erik Martensson, Sweden's Eclipse is well into their third decade of making music. In the recent past, their recordings and reputation have ... [ Read More ]