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Lancer: Lancer
European melodic power/classic metal group Lancer are releasing a self titled debut complete with an ostrich; yes they have an ostrich on the cover. Not the most appealing artwork to attract potential purchasers, it's quite the odd choice and while yes, it's something new I suppose. But I don't know what the possible relationship is with this large breed of bird and the heavy music of Lancer or metal for that matter?
Despite reservations of their choice of cover art it's what's on Lancer's first outing that really matters after all and the majority of those songs are very appealing, complete with the sort of fitting tempo shifting and variety. Lancer's material should interest anyone who likes the songs of Hammerfall, Iron Maiden, earlier Edguy and similar metal bands. The album has a classic metal style sound about it keeping inline with their material and the only negative I could find about the songs is the drum kicks sounded too tinny, though maybe it's just the quality of the download I had for this review. And speaking of drums, this guys playing is quite tasteful as are the dual guitars.
Lancer play it safe and aren't doing a lot different nor are they ones to hide their influences as they put them to good use such as the Maiden like "Between The Devil And The Deep" including the way which it builds up slowly into a rocking metal tune. Their versatile vocalist sounds not too dissimilar in style to those from the heavy acts mentioned above, soaring high at times with one of his best performances on the lively "The Exhiled".
When I first read the title of this new band I thought of the popular Mitsubishi car of the same name, and just like the specced up rally going version this Lancer will also give you an adrenaline rush that is one of the musical kind.
Tracklist:
1. Purple Sky
2.The Exiled
3. Young And Alive
4. Seventh Angel
5. Don't Go Changing
6. Dreamchasers
7. Mr. Starlight
8. Deja Vu
9. Between The Devil And The Deep
Added: January 31st 2013
Reviewer: Scott Jessup
Score: 
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 2230
Language: english
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Lancer: Lancer
Posted by Jeff B, SoT Staff Writer on 2013-01-31 21:22:46
My Score: 
Sporting a sound that borrows from classic British heavy metal and German power metal, the self-titled debut from Swedish act Lancer is an album that sounds totally old school from all fronts. The epic choruses, thunderous riffs, and neoclassical solos all transport the listener to the glory days of eighties' metal, so fans of acts like Iron Maiden or Helloween should have no trouble finding plenty to like here. Lancer isn't an album that sounds particularly unique when put next to all of the other 'retro' heavy metal releases, but it is executed with enough conviction to make for a recommendable listen.
As previously mentioned, Lancer plays melodic power metal that draws from German power metal acts like Helloween or Gamma Ray and NWoBHM acts like Iron Maiden. This is a style that has been done to death recently, but Lancer still does a good job at delivering solid compositions within the confines of the genre. Although it's not something that will set the world on fire, Lancer contains enough memorable choruses, kick-ass riffs, and blistering leads to largely make up for its rather safe approach. I have a tough time imagining a classic metal fan that wouldn't enjoy the hell out of tracks like "Purple Sky", "Deja Vu", and especially the epic "Between the Devil and the Deep".
At the end of the day, Lancer is not a must-have release due to its rather unadventurous attitude, but this could actually be an asset to the album if you miss the days of eighties' melodic metal. Lancer faithfully delivers the style with some really great tunes, and if you're in search of old school power metal, this wouldn't be a bad place to look at all.
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