Band:	Blind Stare
Album:	The Reborn Genius
Style:	Melodic death metal, Extreme power metal
Release date:	August 31, 2004
A review by:	Undercraft

01. My Black Letter
02. An Insane Diary [Part II]
03. Words Of Truth
04. Thornhearts

I don't know why everywhere I read something about this band I see the word Viking Metal, because I'm listening this Ep for fifth time in a row and I can't find anything Viking about it, nevertheless I read some reviews of their previous Demo and learned that the band had some folk influences back then, now I don't hear any of them, unless you consider folk some keyboards with a epic touch to it?

Anyway, this is a 4 song Ep, second in the career in the band (although they have also 3 Demos), the four songs are more reminiscent of Melodic Death Metal rather than Viking Metal, the main players here are the guitar riffs and the keyboards, guitars are always in the front riffing their way through, keyboards are majestic, symphonic, epic, yet classical at times.

The keyboards in "An Insane Diary Pt.II" are classic piano while the ones at "Words Of Truth" are quite symphonic and grandiose. All songs are fast paced, riff based little jewels, maybe vocals tend to get a little annoying after a few spins, but after a few more you'll get to them.

Production is not crystal clear and the mix is unbiased, nevertheless, sounds good, cover art is really poor, but maybe is me, I always hated covers with band pics on it.
Recommendations for the band? Use more clean vocals, maybe some more duets between harsh and clean like in "Thornhearts", that gives the music a "Viking" touch.

The band just signed with Arise records and they'll record soon their debut album, so, good luck, be very perfectionist in the recording and take your time to pick a proper cover art. Good Ep, great preview for what's coming on their debut album, be sure to check 'em out!