The Square

Hard to believe it's been 16 years since this band sent me their self-produced debut, and now this is an EP put out in the wake of their fifth full-length album. Originally a band that mixed thrash into their sound, this recording finds them mining an almost pure strike of Power Metal, with clear melodies, layered arrangements, and plenty of double-bass runs on the drums. I like the open, hooky melodies and the energetic rhythm guitars. I do wish these songs were more distinct, and that the guitars had more riffs to play and not just backing duties. Sabrina Valentine has a powerful voice, and often her vocal lines are the best part of the songs. They close up with a cover of Mr Mister's "Kyrie," and while they do it well enough, I don't really think it belongs here. This is agreeable, but it doesn't have a lot of substance to it.