The line of Swedish power metal bands is long and proud, and Steel Attack is a long serving servant of this movement. But they have for most parts lived unnoticed and have never gained the recognition some of their fellow countrymen enjoys, and I don't think that's about to change with 'Carpe DiEnd'.

Coming towards us somewhere in the region of Tad Morose, Evergrey and Morgana Lefay, they move in tested territories, never quite reaching the same level as any of those bands. On 'Carpe DiEnd' they do experiment a bit more than on their previous albums maybe that has something to do with the line-up changes within the band? Seems to be their biggest problem; to maintain some kind of stability from album to album.

The album is darker and more progressive than earlier ones, and I think it suits their style just fine and makes this their most complete and strongest album to date. But that said, they are simply too middle of the road, they don't do enough to stand out in a crowd to really establish them as something special in the Swedish power metal scene.

A good, solid album that should please fans of theirs, but I doubt it'll win over many new fans...