Oath of the Paladins

Debut from this Tasmanian band who play a very mellow, NWOBHM-style of faintly progressive stuff. It sounds a lot like the Tasmanian band Tarot—which should not come as a surprise, as one half of this duo is also a member of that band, as well as The Wizar'd, who also have some similarities to this. I hear some Deep Purple, some Pagan Altar, some Rainbow, maybe some Witchfinder General—you get the idea. If you like this kind of arcane, '70s flavored music, then this is a feast; otherwise you are apt to find it too much rock and not enough heavy. The songs are long, the melodies are haunting, and there are a lot of keys and atmosphere. I like this a lot, but I have to agree it's not going to be for everyone.