Band:	Viperine
Album:	The Predator Awakens
Style:	Power metal
Release date:	2004

01. Like A Viper
02. Obsession
03. No Longer Kinsmen
04. Heartblood
05. Fire, Wind And Rain
06. Pure Evil
07. Principles
08. Payback
09. Reptiles
10. Hunter's Prelude
11. I am The Hunter

When I, sometime in 2002, ordered a CD with a band from the very north of Sweden, named Winterlong, I didn't have a clue what to expect. I only order it because I liked the simple cover plus that I read that they played Heavy Metal, or something.
When I receive it and started to listen to it, I really hated it, I couldn't get a grip on the vocals and the music just felt to simple.

But in time it grew, and today I love it, and I really love the vocals.
So when Winterlong released their second album 2003, I was happy as hell, until I learnt that only the lead-guitarist was still in the band.
My sorrow was endless, until I heard that Metal-Rules was going to release the debut of the other three guys (singer, bassist and drummer) of Winterlong.

Now finally I have that album, and I'm a happy boy again. The vocalist I love is once again singing on my stereo, and Hussni sounds better then ever.
Not much has happen really since "Valley of the Lost" (Winterlong's debut), except that you can hear that Payre (the new Lead guitarist) has added his touches, and that Hussni has developed, but in a way that you'll recognize him. The new drummer (Matt Buffalo) isn't really that different from old (Tony Erkkilä).

The music is still fast Heavy (Power) Metal with the very special vocals from Hussni Mörsare, the kind of vocals you either love or hate, there are no in between. It's almost the same as with Chris Boltendahl from Grave Digger (the vocals are not the same, just that you'll either love of hate both of these guys voices).

The album contains almost good songs, all in the vein of the old Winterlong. It's fast, it's melodic, it's catchy and it's damn good.
Just listen to the clips I have linked too in the Tracklist.
The production is ok, it's not really that superb, but it works fine on this album, and to be honest I think Hussni's voice wouldn't be as good with a crystal clear production.

If you have heard the debut of Winterlong, and liked it, you must buy this album, for Christ sake, it's one of the best albums of 2004, IMO.
Or if you've listen to the clips and think it sounds good, buy the album, you won't regret it, if you just like Hussni's voice, you'll love this album.

Check Out: "Like a Viper", "No Longer Kinsmen", "Heartblood", "Reptiles", "I am the Hunter", "Fire, Wind and Rain" & "Principles".