Again it?s the Finnish inspiration and skills which are showing up in the debut album of Olympos Mons; full of symphonic and melodic power metal. Olympus Mons was formed back in 2002, when Jari Sundstrom and singer Ian E. Highhill met after a gig of Jari in 2002. A demo ?Seven Seas? was recorded and two years later the time finally came for Olympos Mons to release their debut album ?Conquistador?. This album shows the brilliance of these Finnish guys, releasing an absolute worthy debut album in the genre. Olympos Mons is a name to keep in mind considering the fact that these guys definitely know how to make a decent and sometimes even brilliant, symphonic power metal album.

As soon as the album starts with ?Seven Seas? I?m already impressed. This opening song is strong, powerful and sets the tone for the entire album. ?Seven Seas? is the song which might be released as a single. As soon as I hear influences of folk instruments and when I sense a little use of bagpipes, I?m already satisfied with this one. ?Black? is a more symphonic and darker (hence the name?) song, showing the mysterious side of Ian?s vocals. The vocals of Ian are, well, brilliant?! In ?Through The Ice and Snow? he starts with the famous aaaaaah? Yep, he passes the test! Together with the absolute brilliant guitar works of Jari, it?s the cause why Olympos Mons will set its name in the genre. Olympos Mons combines rough and aggressive guitar riffs with the softer and sweeter sounds of folk instruments like the, already mentioned, bagpipes and even harps. Olympos Mons is capable of mixing catchy and cheerful songs like ?Seven Seas? with more emotional and dark ones like ?Cleopatra? and ?The Princess of Saba?. In the last mentioned songs you will hear some Arabic influences. ?Conquistador? ends with its 10 minute epic title track.

Olympos Mons released an impressive debut album, appealing to all power metal fans. If you respect yourself as a power metal fan, be sure to check this one out. If you love Sonata Arctica, Kamelot, Rhapsody, Angra and Dragonland, you won?t be disappointed by ?Conquistador?.

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Other articles for Olympos Mons:

Album review

Medievil»

by Joris 13 Sep, 2007