Band:	Nightmare
Album:	Insurrection
Style:	Heavy metal, Power metal
Release date:	September 11, 2009
Guest review by:	Angelic Storm

01. Eternal Winter
02. The Gospel Of Judas
03. Insurrection
04. Legions Of The Rising Sun
05. Three Miles Island
06. Mirrors Of Damnation
07. Decameron
08. Target For Revenge
09. Cosa Nostra (Part I- The Light)
10. Angels Of Glass

Despite being around since the early 80's, and coming back with some pretty outstanding power metal albums in the 00's, Grenoble's finest export Nightmare, still remain a largely unknown quantity outside of their native France. In 2007, they unleashed the monstrous Genetic Disorder, almost unnoticed. But its combination of violent riffs, huge choruses and general dark sound made it stand out in a genre not known for possessing those qualities. It immediately became one of my very favourite albums in the genre and I was very eager to see if their latest offering Insurrection could match it. Unfortunately, it doesn't quite manage to usurp, or even equal its awesome predecessor. But it is similar in style and does manage to produce some great moments.

Thankfully, Insurrection mainly sticks to the style of Genetic Disorder with only it's lack of consistency being its downfall. The mid-paced opener "Eternal Winter" is decent enough, and it has a good chorus, but it's not really classic stuff. However, when the band suddenly launch into high gear with the death metal tinged riffing of "The Gospel Of Judas" the album explodes into life and maintains a decent level of consistency throughout, slipping into mediocrity only very occasionally. Although the riffs are at times vicious, (check out the ferocious main riff of the title track for an example) it wouldn't be a power metal album without some catchy choruses and, indeed, this album is able to deliver a fair few. The majestic chorus of "Legions Of The Rising Sun" is a true highlight. When combined with some tense riffing and a brilliant solo, this is a truly wonderful track. "Mirrors Of Damnation" also contains an immense chorus and the rest of the song is pure melodic carnage.

Singer Jo Amore's unusual but unique harsh crooning style is in fine form once again here and it's hard to believe he was once the band's drummer! Indeed, the whole band give fine performances and a nice crunchy production also helps the sound no end. Unfortunately, the album contains some fillers which means I have to knock some points off my overall rating. "Costa Nostra" features a weird chorus which is totally at odds with the rest of the song, sounding quite silly as a result. While the epic "Three Mile Island" starts off very well, a very out of place ambient mid-section kills the song's momentum. Other gripes include some songs which could have benefited hugely from a great solo and "Target For Revenge"'s chorus (which is in fact very good) being dragged out for far too long at the end.

In the end, this is another great example of aggressive power metal, which while slightly eclipsed by the previous album, manages to stand on it's own as a fine album. I'd definitely advise any power metal fan to give this one a go. Particularly those who like their power metal with a side order of venom and bite.