Power Quest's debut album, 2002's Wings of Forever, was a solid slab of power metal that helped the band emerge as one of Britain's most promising metal acts. Now comes NeverWorld, the follow-up disc released on a bigger-name label (Italy's Frontiers Records), complete with a real drummer. Threshold's Karl Groom returns as producer.
Amid traditional power-metal tunes like "Temple of Fire" and "Sacred Land" come the big-sounding arena rocker "Edge of Time," the borderline pop ballad "When I'm Gone" and the Royal Hunt-meets-TNT closer "Lost Without You" (a rousing duet with female singer). Even the title track, a sweeping nine-minute power-metal anthem that contains all of the requisite elements, isn't structured like a typical power-metal anthem. Most of this music is fueled by band founder Steve Williams' crisp and clean keyboards, and singer Alessio Garavello's voice suits this music well, except when forced to go higher than it can. During those moments (as on the chorus to the otherwise impressive "For Evermore"), Garavello sounds hopelessly out of place.
Still, if you're tired of the same old sound when it comes to power metal about faraway lands, strong warriors and the power of destiny, give NeverWorld a spin. While much of the subject matter remains entrenched in stereotypes, the music's creative delivery is both refreshing and memorable.
Track Listing
1) NeverWorld (Power Quest II) (8:59)
2) Temple of Fire (4:08)
3) Edge of Time (5:51)
4) Sacred Land (5:27)
5) When I'm Gone (6:26)
6) For Evermore (6:43)
7) Well of Souls (6:17)
8) Into the Light (5:12)
9) Lost Without You (10:43)
Total Time: 59:51
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