What is it with European power metal groups and their fascination with those fluffy little critters called rabbits? Helloween gave us Rabbit Don't Come Easy in 2003, and speaking of that band now the once Helloween tribute group Trick Or Treat are again presenting that bunny related inspiration releasing Rabbits' Hill Pt. 2. Rabbits' Hill Pt. 2 is the second of their concept albums based on the classic novel Watership Down. Trick Or Treat have more in common with the Kiske era of Helloween as Alessandro Conti who is also the vocalist of Luca Turilli's Rhapsody has quite a similar sound at times, though this Italian band does bring other influences into their sound. I am also reminded of Heavenly one of my all time favorite power metal groups. Trick Or Treat made sure that Rabbits' Hill Pt. 2 sounds great thanks to Simone Mularoni (DGM) ensuring that all those enticing performances like on the instrumental "Beware The Train" are given the treatment they deserve.
This second chapter kicks of with the full steam ahead power metal of "Inle' (The Black Rabbit Of Death)" as it's time for the rabbits to move on to a safer place, and that is Watership Down as told in "Together Down" or so it would seem as this turbulent tale continues to unfold. Adding to the appeal of this most impressive European melodic power metal release Rabbits' Hill Pt. 2 has guest and very welcome appearances on vocals by Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica) appearing on the track "United", and "Never Say Goodbye" features a wonderful duet with Sara Squadrani (Ancient Bards, Ayreon). Then there is the powerful "They Must Die" with Tim "Ripper" Owens (ex-Judas Priest, ex-Malmsteen) who is sounding fantastic as the evil general Woundwort who is one bad ass rabbit. I'm so glad Rabbits' Hill Pt. 2 came along it's a stellar effort by Trick Or Treat. This crafty group have taken a classic tale that tells of a courage's group of rabbits and created a wonderful metal album, one that should not be missed by melodic power metal fans.
Track Listing
1. Inle' (The Black Rabbit Of Death)
2. Together Again
3. Cloudrider
4. Efrafa
5. Never Say Goodbye
6. The Great Escape
7. They Must Die
8. Beware The Train
9. United
10. The Showdown
11. Last Breath
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