Their music is very non-confrontational. Based on a similar format of other power metal bands with a European heritage, the sound is much like contemporaries like Sonata Arctica, Stratovarius and various projects that Jorn Lande has been involved in. Whereas those bands have since developed their sound into something more unique, what I initially enjoyed about this album is that it doesn’t try to be something it is not, or to try and be overtly ambitious with their music. It is good basic power metal, almost on a hard rock scale as the songs have a good basis of the rhythm of drums and bass holding the song together while the guitars and keyboards play fluently and pleasantly together. On top of this is the excellent vocals of Tommi Salmela who does have an uncanny knack of singing in a similar vein to other vocalists of the genre. Together this package has put together a collection of songs that are very easy to listen to and enjoy.
The album flows wonderfully well from one song to the next. It has a rock emphasis that is different from other power metal albums, the biggest asset for me is the 'almost’ absence of the power ballad that bogs down albums on a major scale. Because every song here has its own solid continuity and doesn’t look to change things up too much throughout the album, it means that there are no dull moments that could slow up the momentum of the track list. I for one believe this is one of the great positives of the album. If you are looking for blistering solos or orchestral keyboards or seventeen time changes within a few bars, then you are in the wrong place. If on the other hand you enjoy your power metal in its simplest form without all of the improvisations and experimentation the you will get a kick out of this.
The opening three songs set the platform for the enjoyment to follow. Opening track “Everlasting” is a good introduction to the album, and is followed by the catchy “Run” which has you joining in singing the lyrics in quick time. The double kick and happy guitars come out on the title track “Kiss of the Night” to give the middle section the boost that power metal albums can give.
After an excellent opening the album settles down into the solid basis of the power rock that I spoke of. Some may feel that it is a bit humdrum given that it doesn’t offer anything outstanding to hang their hat on, and that is possibly a fair comment. Putting on the album to listen to as a background experience makes this very listenable, but to others who are looking to have their socks blown off it may come across as humdrum.
There does come eventually the moment all power metal bands must indulge in – the power balled. “Forever Young” is this album’s version of this horrific part of the genre, and though it is my least favourite part of this album it is tolerable in this instance.
If you have listened to any of the Allen/Lande project albums you will have a sense of deja-vu listening to this album, as there are touches of the format and the vocal style throughout this album – not a copy I rush to add, but just a similarity in song structure and singing pitch. Whether it is a deliberate thing or not I don’t know, but it kept me listening to this album long enough to enjoy it as its own entity rather than comparing its style to other bands. It may not be the best album released this year but it is one that you will be able to reflect on in later months and years and think it was worth finding in the first place.
Best songs: “Everlasting”, “Run”, “Kiss of the Night”, “Tears of Gold”
Rating: “There’s nothing in this world that I can’t do”. 3/5
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