Band:	Axxis
Album:	Utopia
Style:	Heavy metal, Power metal
Release date:	August 28, 2009
A review by:	Baz Anderson

01. Journey To Utopia
02. Utopia
03. Last Man On Earth
04. Fass Mich An
05. Sarah Wanna Die
06. Fathers' Eyes
07. The Monsters Crawl
08. Eyes Of A Child
09. Heavy Rain
10. For You I Will Die
11. Underworld
12. Taste My Blood [bonus]
13. 20 Years Anniversary Song [Feat. Andi Deris, Doro Pesch, Rolf Stahlhofen, David Readman, Schmier & Claus Lessmann] [bonus]

Axxis are a fantastic band, they really are. They can put on one of the most enjoyable live shows you will ever see. Unfortunately however they never seem to be able to create the fun energy they create on stage, on an album. Utopia is album twelve from these German power metallers but the last seven of them all seem to have the same formula.

This means two things however. If you already like Axxis then Utopia will be right up your alley, no doubt about that. The album shows another solid performance with a number of catchy songs from the usual power metal gallopers to the odd ballad type. The second thing is; Utopia won't change anyone's mind about the band, any flaws in the past albums will be making a re-appearance here.

The album isn't an exact copy of the last though. Utopia actually has more of a keyboard presence and more of an electronic feel to it. Other than this though, the album is extremely similar to the last few. Yes, times have changed and all the rest of it, but looking back to the band's first three albums, the last few albums the band have put out in particular seem to sound so stiff in comparison. This is totally not the case when these experienced Germans take a stage, the songs flow together and there is a great energy through the whole show. Utopia sounds too up-tight, Axxis need to loosen up as if they were playing live when they record an album.

Of course Utopia has it's ups, but it also has its downs. Nothing about Utopia sticks out as being totally fantastic or mind-blowing, but on the other side nothing is so awful to draw attention to itself. It is the closing song "Underworld" that seems to be the high point of the album. Utopia is therefore regrettably, quite bland. This is Axxis through and through, the band have played it safe again by releasing another album of good, but completely unoriginal power metal. The frustrating part is that Axxis are a band that have so much to give their audiences and love to have a great time doing it, but when it comes to writing an album they never seem to be able to write the songs that capture the great spirit of the band.

Utopia won't surprise anyone that has been following the band for the last years, but maybe it will lead inquisitive new fans into the fun, charming world of Axxis.