Shadowkeepis a British-American collaboration that draws references to classic US Metal with many great bands like Leatherwolf, Lethal, early-Fates Warning, early-Queensr˙che, Omen, Helstar and Leviathan rearing their ugly heads when I listen to the album, as well as the mother of all metal influences: Iron Maiden.
Main concern before putting 'The Hourglass Effect' on was how new siren Richie Wicks (ex-Angel Witch, ex-Tygers of Pan Tang) would fit in their classic power metal style. And much to my delight he is the reason that this album is way better than anything they've done in the past. I felt that former vocalist Rogue Maréchal was holding the band back, and he was the main reason why their previous albums pretty much went under without anybody noticing them.
So rest assured this is one of the better classic power metal albums in a very long time, mainly because this album grabs you by the balls with its well played and produced first class classic power metal with loads of technical finesse and some great hooklines and melodies.
So if you grew up listening to some the above mentioned bands, then I suggest you put this one on your shopping list because it surely brings back a lot of fond memories of old days.
