Into a glory ride, through the fields of battle, shouting the war cry for a decisive victory only to know that prevailing the battle won't ultimately win the war, as it is bloody endless, caressing hard like a paw of grizzly bear without letting go. However, there are clearings, periods of time where there is a driving force that entices with sheer power and fortitude. Conquests might be ugly, yet through Metal oriented ears, it can be a whack right to the edge of the face, a massive attack that will drive one's brains into full throttle, European style. And here they go again, the Finnish six killer crew of THAUROROD, a rising starlet in the Euro Metal community. Back in 2010, they blew me away with their debut "Upon Haunted Battlefields", showing their devotion and appreciation to melodic 90's Power Metal carved by Symphonic and stellar musicianship skills on the verge of progression, trailing the footsteps of several European masters like early HELLOWEEN, DRAGONFORCE, STRATOVARIUS, SONATA ARCTICA, SECRET SPHERE and VISION DIVINE. With the release of "Anteinferno", THAUROROD return to the theaters of war, inspired by stories and legends, newly enlisting Andi Kravljaca (AEON ZEN / SILENT CALL) and on keyboards Harri Koskela (DOTMA / EMBASSY OF SILENCE), still with NoiseArt Records, the Finns perfectly declare that they aren't stopping for anyone on their way to glory.

Finding the thin line amongst inflammable catchiness within the tunes and an attempt of perfectionist stargazing musicianship, THAUROROD found themselves in a gold mine to nail themselves to, as it shows on their songwriting. The material is insanely melodic, unsurprisingly with a feel of a victorious soul, hefty produced vocal section packed with wonders applying with flashy choruses, moody keyboards, crisp guitar riffery clinging hard on that amazing Euro Metal superiority but leaving behind some of the obviousness that the this direction into a certain extent of instrumental cleverness, and of course a rhythm section that is explosive with talent. Judging by the tendencies of "Anteinferno", DRAGONFORCE is this band's closest thing as a reference, as THAUROROD have been going on and off from speeding into the night with eyes of red to slow to mid tempo atmospheric Heavy Metal artistries with cracks of Gothic channels. Though quite similar to the multinational act, I couldn't hold myself at times when I listened to those dexterity bred melodic guitaring and shred soloing demonstrations, technically made and performed to a near perfection (because there is no perfect). Furthermore, though I was wretched when I found out that Markku Kuikka, the previous album's vocalist, was out and of course that his successor, ex-VISION DIVINE and SECRET SPHERE's Michele Luppi didn't stick around to record this here release, the Swedish Kravljaca, which had his fair share of melodic Metal involvements in the past, established quite a position for himself, attributing the music with an harmonious voice, which was displayed in multichannel, simply an excellent choice for the band's image.

"Planet X", "Heart Of The Lion" and "Victor" draw swords in the name of 90's Euro Power Metal, sliding with tremendous speeds, gliding through space and time with passionate choruses with an overall quality that will leave melodic Metal fans captivated, these are this album's true signs of victory. Generally, simple tracks to comprehend, however also display the band's instrumental capacity and adroitness. "Path" is a level up in tech terms, could have been a DRAGONFORCE track easily, THAUROROD showing off mighty methodological abilities, sporadic preaching their gifts with astral songwriting. "Riders Of The Shires" along with "Overboard" might appear quite common for the genre, and indeed they are, but for some reason I couldn't help myself from listening to them again and again, there is that craving that is never satisfied, and with no doubt that the inner wish for more definitive Power Metal is right here and always there for the taking. THAUROROD isn't what I would call inventive by far, however their Metal perspective is remarkable, the passion through the music is undeniable and the serving, meaning the production at hand, is just what this album needed. Therefore, don't let me go on further, immediately pre order this one.

Review written by Lior "Steinmetal" Stein for www.metal-temple.com

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