Band:	Knightmare
Album:	Unholy
Style:	Power metal, Thrash metal
Release date:	February 16, 2008
A review by:	Raiden

01. Exterminator
02. Sonic Fury
03. Unholy
04. The Conan Saga
05. Blood Of The Gods

Style: Power/Heavy/Thrash Metal
Country: Australia
Label: Self-Released
Length: 24:57
Recorded: 2007

Line-up:
Mick Simpson - Vocals
Luke Besley - Guitars
James Jenkin - Guitars
Blake Ford - Bass
Kade Moyes - Drums


Welcome Power Metal fans, to your greatest knightmare! "Unholy" is the title of this first EP from the Australian band you guessed are named "Knightmare". Unholy is a self-released EP, but there is nothing amateurish or second rate about it. Factors such as production aren't an issue as the album sounds completely clear. There are plenty of poorly written albums with good production out there though, so let's visit the rest of this release.

Knightmare plays Power Metal, as I mentioned, but they don't follow the rulebook on Melodic Metal word for word. Their branch of the style is a little different in the way of some Thrash and Heavy Metal influences. As soon as you listen to the first track "Exterminator" you notice elements like double bass drumming and simply a "heavier" attitude towards the music. That isn't to say that this music wouldn't appeal to traditional Power Metal fans; Knightmare have just blended these traces to form a unit of Power Metal with a little more vigour.

From the first track of this EP you find yourself uncontrollably nodding your head along with the music. The cause of this could be the way the fast and hard-hitting drumming seamlessly intertwines with the guitar riffs. Or maybe it's just that overall the song is so damn catchy. As I listened on through Unholy, I discovered that Knightmare have managed to create equally appealing songs throughout. The last track "Blood Of The Gods" isn't quite on the same level as the rest of the EP and the chorus sounds a little untidy but it's really the only lower point. Songs such as "The Conan Saga" and "Unholy" though are full of life and apart from the other positives, these songs showcase vocalist Mick Simpson's impressive voice. The closest comparison I could probably draw would be to Magnus Winterwild of Axenstar, but Mick's vocals are pretty distinctive not to mention vivacious. He has a great range and can sing the higher notes with ease.

It's easy to find yourself immersed in the music Knightmare in no time. As well as the band work together you can pick each instrument out and appreciate it separately. And appreciate them you will, as the guitars, bass and drums are all played very well. I would suggest this well written and executed EP to any fan of melodic metal, die hard listener or casual passer-by.