Band:	Attacker
Album:	Giants Of Canaan
Style:	US power metal
Release date:	February 2013

01. As They Descend
02. Giants Of Canaan
03. Trapped In Black
04. The Hammer
05. Washed In Blood
06. Sands Of Time
07. Curse The Light
08. Black Winds Calling
09. Steel Vengeance
10. Born Into Battle
11. The Glen Of The Ghost

Now here's a band that have finesse for forging those razor like riffs that just stick in the brain. Attacker are an experienced group returning once more with the will to wield their well honed weapons of choice. The swift guitars brandished here offer plenty of addictive licks which are as infectious as they are a sound for sore ears. Those longing for that classic US power metal edge have much here to revel in.

The band have been around since the early 80's and Giants Of Canaan is the follow up to their 2006 release The Unknown. As a whole the album has a tone which works well with the themes of battles gone by. Whether it's the bass launched melodic riff of the title track, concise guitar squeals of "Sands Of Time" or rapid volley of "Black Winds Calling" you're more than likely to get a taste for these blades. Track titles such as that of the rhythmically resolute "Washed In Blood" or the lyrics of "Steel Vengeance" go a long way to getting the whole sword wielding vibe going (can't beat a line like "?my blade is SHARP AND STEEEELY!").

Their new-found vitality is in the recent band additions of the powerful "Leatherlungs" of vocalist Bobby Lucas and the occasionally overshadowed talent of bassist Hanemann. The latter provides the basis for some fantastically catchy moments like "Trapped In The Black" where he fights the leads for pride of place. Leatherlungs has a broad range which at its most aggressive sounds very similar to Sean Peck of fellow US power outfit Cage. While he never falters in the diversity of his delivery there are moments which will be an acquired taste for some listeners as he reaches for those higher pitched wails which can sound wildly off kilter. The final cut "The Glen Of The Ghost" is of an Iron Maiden spirit with a stamping beat where Leatherlungs' work bears a close resemblance to Dickinson.

This is definitely one to look into if you're after some very tangible and energetic guitarwork which is more than sharp enough to deal a cutting blow, likely leaving a clear impression on those of you craving the craft of the memorable riff.