(Rated this album with 8 out of 10) Reviewed by
daniel knouse
from vancouver, washington United States
First off, applause should go to Tim Owens for giving it the old college try. He seriously tries hard to make the songs work, but more than once (particulary on the slower tracks like "When the Eagle Cries") I was aching to hear Barlow work his magic once more. But alas!, it never happened. Tim Owens just doesn't have the emotional depth that Barlow possesses. That said, my two cents flung into the ocean of cyber-space, the music here is furious and worthy of attention. There is a galloping bass line on nearly every song, as mentioned in another review here, reminiscent of Steve Harris of Iron Maiden. If I had never heard those great Iced Earth albums that came before with Barlow showing his extraordinary range and mood, then this album would otherwise be a very solid recording. As it stands on its own, this is a good Heavy Metal album loaded with ambition and a heartfelt, if misplaced vocal performance from Tim Owens.
