Disc I
01. The Burning Within
02. Here We Are
03. Steelbound
04. Twilight Cabaret
05. Last Goodbye
06. The Long Road
07. Blood Of Heroes
08. Angel Of Midnight
09. Riders Of The Storm
10. Watch The Sky Fall

Disc II [Digipak 2CD version bonus]
01. Steelbound [Aarton remix]
02. Steelbound [Winson Pruden remix]
03. Here We Are [Storm Trance remix]
04. Angel Of Midnight [Storm Trance remix]
05. Twilight Cabaret [JKB remix]
06. Eden [Storm Trance remix]

The Battle Beast doesn't exactly sound like it's going into battle here, but it brings another highly enjoyable blast of power metal your way regardless.

You'll find the Finnish power metal band Battle Beast at the most joyous and mainstream-sounding end of the metal spectrum, along with the likes of Beast In Black, Sabaton, and HammerFall. The aim of their game is to bring as much lighthearted fun to metalheads who'd rather not take things too seriously if possible. This is through some of the highest-standard power metal in modern times, with 80s-inspired hard rock, symphonic, and pop elements incorporated in their style. Just like the majority of modern power metal groups, their songs have often been described as heavy, catchy, uplifting, and most importantly, fun, with plenty of infectious melodies to headbang yourself senseless to.

Since their formation back in 2008 they've released 7 full-length albums, including their latest output Steelbound. They aren't considered a band who push too many boundaries, and previous album Circus Of Doom didn't break any new ground, but was undoubtedly a fun listen. The same can be said of Steelbound, although it's slightly less heavy and geared more towards a lighter power pop, borderline disco direction. Other high-profile power metal bands have taken a similar route lately with opting for a more accesible sound, such as Sabaton with their latest album Legends. While that release hasn't gone down too well with much of their fan base, the same isn't the case here for Steelbound.

In similar fashion to Majestica's acclaimed Power Train earlier this year, the songwriting is top-quality and catchy as hell, but not to the point of excessive cheese. Battle Beast do a good job of creating an immaculately refined and polished sound without spilling over into excess. The album often feels more suitable for disco party music rather than for headbanging in a mosh pit, but there's more than enough infectiously melodic riffs, epic leads, impressive vocal harmonies, memorable choruses to enjoy, with a rhythm oozing with speed and raw power present behind. It also helps that the overall sound is thunderously heavy; the guitars have a punchy tone, and the healthy dose of symphonic elements also add a vital component to the songwriting, giving the album that extra spark of epicness.

The music's uplifting vibe also goes hand-in-hand with the album's positive theme, which reflects on one's defiance and resilience, acting as a battle cry for those who've been dismissed and suffered in silence for long enough. This theme is brought to life by a blistering all-round performance, a production that's of a high modern standard, and addictively fun melodies, all of which helps put aside the fact it lacks originality. The soaring vocals and guitar melodies radiate joy, and tempt you to pump those fists in the air in the name of the Steelbound Battle Beast!

Performance:	7
Songwriting:	7
Originality:	4
Production:	8