MANIACAL RENDERINGS

A mediocre album, but on the good side of mediocrity. Do not expect much prog in here, this is mostly classical heavy metal with some extra keys thrown in. I have to admit, although the riffs and patterns sound a bit predictable, in general it manages to sound consistent, even catchy. Perfromance is flawless, solos a bit irrelevant, the music is energetic all the time. Try to imagine Black Sabbath in the 80's without getting that poppy and uninspired. Znowhite slowed down, Fates Warning without the proggy part. Running Wild plus keys, perhaps. This is ole heavy metal, nothing less, nothing more.

I won't try to get anything else from this band, but it's enjoyable enough. Two stars.