Power Paladin - Beyond the Reach of Enchantment

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Power metal was one of the first metal genres I got heavily into and I still like it today, some 20 odd years later. Unfortunately, I haven’t kept up with it all that much because the genre is so bloated—for every good power metal band, there are about 700 that aren’t worth a fart in a bucket. I suppose every genre, metal or otherwise, is bloated but it seems the ratio of good to bad power metal bands is really, really off kilter.

But…every now and then, I come across a band that reminds me of why the genre is so magical. Finland’s Power Paladin and their second full-length album, “Beyond the Reach of Enchantment,” is such a band.

This album ticks off all the boxes of what makes the genre so great: hyper energy, barreling drums, soaring vocals, and fast paced riffs among many melodic moments and catchy choruses. 

But what’s even better? “Beyond the Reach of Enchantment," sounds honest–and fun. These guys very clearly want to play this genre and do it their way. I don’t feel like they are trying to be the second coming of Blind Guardian or Stratovarius.  

The production is bright, shiny, and super tight. Every note feels powerful and epic, like the strong swing of a claymore. If there is any genre that needs such great production then it is power metal.  

Check out the opening moments of “Sword Vigor.” These guys are out for blood and are taking no prisoners. Within seconds, the song is fast as fuck, including the vocals with blur by with speeds while also being catchy. But it isn’t all just about blistering speed—the mid section slows it down a bit with a melodic solo and groovy drums.  

“The Royal Road,” drops the hammer with an opening so aggressive and speedy that most thrash bands would be surprised. I hope they decide to play this song live because I can envision the crowd singing alongside the jaunty chorus and the pit running in circles. I’m really impressed with the second half of the song as well—a ton of melody and it’s backed up with a strong rhythm section.

Of course, it wouldn’t be power metal without being a little corny, bombastic, and theatrical to a degree. “Camelot Rock City,” delivers this and the album is all the better for it. The opening is the vocalist shouting about some type of what I can only assume is a tournament. This song is like a renaissance fair except instead of ugly people dressed as orcs and overflowing porta potty’s, it offers heavy riffs and one earworm of a chorus.  

I thought "Valediction," might be a ballad, what with its acoustic intro but I was (thankfully) wrong because it quickly turns into what might be the most aggressive song on the album. The galloping riffs absolutely crush and the solos are searing. The death growls are icing on the cake as are the guest vocals of Sara Rut Fannarsdóttir. 

Power Paladin are one of the modern bands in the scene that are restoring my faith in this genre. “Beyond the Reach of Enchantment,” works on many levels. It’s a fantastic album to jump back into the genre if you have been away for a while, it will please fans who never left, and it is a wonderful place to start for those new to the style.

Rating:  Excellent




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