Italian power metal band Arthemis has been around for a long time, but this is the first release I have yet heard from them. As implied, this definitely has a modern feel to it, particularly with regard to the frequent keyboard effects. There is a lot of melody through the lead guitar and frequent soloing, but the music is principally driven by galloping rhythm guitar and bass riffs. Singer Fabio D. (no, I'm not making that up) has a good voice, though it pales next to other power metal vocalists. It is more of mid-range style with the ability to soar higher or sneer when necessary.
There are some damn catchy songs here, including the speedy "Blistering Eyes" and insanely infectious "Into the Arena". The band has the ability to craft memorable hooks and choruses. There is of course a much softer and slower ballad here, which is pretty common for modern power metal. It does serve to make following track "Warcry" sound that much faster. The tribal-esque drumming in "Firetribe" is another highlight.
Certainly there is nothing really wrong with this album. It is fine and all of the musicians are clearly talented, it just happens to be a style that does not really appeal all that much to me. To me, it is an interesting enough album when I am listening to it, but it is not likely one that I will specifically turn on all that often.
