Band:	Black Masquerade
Album:	Spread Your Wings
Style:	Melodic power metal
Website:	http://www.blackmasquerade.com
Release date:	2005
A review by:	Undercraft

01. Into The Sky
02. The Guardian
03. Another Place
04. Prisoner Of The Dark
05. Hero Of The Darkness
06. Piece Of Mind
07. Skin And Bones
08. Never Fear
09. Land Of Freedom
10. Reach For The Star

Undercraft and the holy quest Pt. I

Once upon a time there was a musical genre that was very popular, the hymns and battle chants could be heard all through the land, the feelings that the music evoked gave many the bravery and courage they needed to save their lands.

But then, over-saturation and lack of new ideas made the genre predictable, many turned their backs and went looking for greener pastures, some say it was boring, some other said it was "cheesy", the name of the accursed genre? Power Metal.

I was one of them, I liked this genre, but I turned my back on it. Now I've returned because the gods called me and gave me a quest: I, single-handed must find the ones of the prophecy, I must find the band that redefines Power Metal. This is my quest and I'll do anything to fulfil it.

I'll begin my search in the land of the rising sun, Japan. I was given a clue, I was told that a band, called "Black Masquerade" was causing quite a stir over there, it was worth checking this band out. Maybe my quest is going to be shorter than expected.

I got a hold of their debut album entitled "Spread Your Wings", at first sight, the album looked good, the artwork was simple yet charming and it was really promising.
After a short intro "The Guardian" appeared, as soon it began I identified one cliché, the typical "woooaaaaah" falsetto scream singers use all the time at the beginning of their songs.

Despite that fact, the song was quite catchy and I liked it. But I needed more, I needed a couple of listens to find out if my quest could end now. "Another Place" began quite aggressively, great back-up keyboards all through the song, this was a good song also.
"Prisioner Of Dark" and "Hero Of the Darkness" were a little too typical for me, the mid and fast-paced songs of the album, although the guitar solos were quite impressive.
The album had everything, but my favourite picks were "Skin And Bones" and "Never Fear"

I won't lie to you, I already know this is not the band I'm looking for, these guys don't play bad at all, and the album is quite entertaining (and that's the main point), but sadly I don't really see anything different on their music, so I'm afraid that the Power Metal saviours title won't go to them.

But I'll recommend this to all fans of Melodic Power Metal with some minor dose of Classic Heavy Metal.
For now I withdraw, and I'll head to my next destination, anywhere in the world, where the saviours of Power Metal await me, until then, my holy quest remains my only goal.

To be continued?