Band:	Axenstar
Album:	Where Dreams Are Forgotten
Style:	Power metal
Release date:	November 2014

01. Fear
02. Inside The Maze
03. My Sacrifice
04. Curse Of The Tyrant
05. The Return
06. Demise
07. Annihilation
08. Greed
09. The Reaper
10. This False Imagery
11. Sweet Farewell

Axenstar is one of those solid power metal bands that have established themselves firmly in the genre. They have many followers and some people consider Axenstar favorites, yet they are not quite one of the giants. It's albums like this, however, that assures fans they're on the right track.

What makes these Swedes so awesome is how their music is grand and epic without having to be symphonic in some obligatory way. With very minor keyboards, Axenstar manages to create a full power metal sound. It's not the hard rock- or thrash-influenced result that is most non-symphonic power metal. They just don't need any assistance to make something great. As usual, they topped it off with their kick-ass vocalist. Yes, founding member and bassist Magnus Winterwild is an example of a quintessential power metal voice: one who takes solid music and makes it even better.

Where Dreams Are Forgotten features a few sing-a-long choruses and some very, very nice solos. It channels bits of classic Sonata Arctica or early Dream Evil, in a sense, with their appropriate speed, lively energy level, and fun tunes. A very warm production, perhaps warmer that 2011's excellent Aftermath, creates a fresh vibe for the band.

I said "appropriate speed" and that's very true in a number of ways here. The tempi are all fitting, and the musicians show that they can skillfully play fast without needing to show off. The album itself also goes by very fast. With nine full-length songs, Where Dreams Are Forgotten never drags and seems over before it even started.

Power metal fans take note. If you're not already following Axenstar (and you should be) then this record is a perfect introduction. It's solid, fun, and the next step for a talented band.