REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE
New Era
Blistering Records 2008
www.blisteringrecords.se

Genre
Power metal / hard rock / European metal

The Good
Revolution Renaissance is sort of a power metal supergroup that was founded by Stratovarius guitarist Timo Tolkki. Vocals are split between former Helloween vocalist Michael Kiske (who vowed never to return to metal, but has many times over), Tobias Sammett of Edguy/Avantasia, and Pasi Rantanen of Thunderstone.

"Heroes" is right out of the Edguy playbook, so it only makes sense to have Sammett at the helm. Fiery guitar licks and runs and furious double-kick drums run rough-shot over the track while Sammett belts out the inspiring lyrics. Kiske shows that even though he left Helloween to embrace a new sound, he still has a metal frontman deep inside him. The track isn't as fast as most power metal, but it still have plenty of punch and melody.

Tolkki fires off another killer lick on "We Are Magic." This time Rantanen handles the vocals. He's not as high-pitched as Kiske and Sammett, but he's still just as melodic. Picture Steve Perry on steroids. The track is anthemic in its delivery. Rantanen returns on the dark ballad "Eden is Burning." Sammett takes a final bow on the super-charged "Glorious and Divine." "Last Night on Earth" is the definitive power metal track.

The Bad
Nothing

The Verdict
When I think of the top 5 European power metal bands, Edguy, Stratovarius, and Helloween are definitely up there. Now take those three bands and put them together in Revolution Renaissance, and you have yourself one hell of a power metal force. New Era combines high speed riffage with high octane vocals that will have power metal fans raising their fists in approval.

Rating: out of 5

Related Reviews:
Stratovarius - S/T
Avantasia - The Scarecrow
Edguy - Rocket Ride
Helloween - Hellish Videos DVD
Michael Kiske - Instant Clarity [Reissue]
Place Vendom - S/T
Supared - S/T

--George Dionne