Balance of Power—Fresh From the Abyss (2024)

Details

Produced by Toby Jepson (Little Angels, Wayward Sons, Planet Rock Radio presenter) and Lionel Hicks. Mixed by Mike Plotnikoff (Halestorm, Fear Factory, Black Stone Cherry, Papa Roach, etc.) Released on Friday 19 April 2024.

Band

Hazel Jade—Vocalist
Adam Wardle—Guitars
Chris Young—Guitars
Tony Ritchie—Bass
Lionel Hicks—Drums

Tracks

Last man down
Never be here again
Monster
Rage of ages
Abyss
Velocity
Deadlands
One more time around the sun

Review

Originally formed in London in 1995, UK melodic metal and progressive rock band Balance of Power has been through quite a few line-up changes over the years releasing their sixth album earlier this year, Fresh from the Abyss (2024), produced by Toby Jepson (Little Angels, Wayward Sons, Planet Rock).

I’m not entirely sure what it is about opening track “Last man down” (track 1), but it really didn’t connect with me for the first few plays through. Whether it was the chorus of screams that kicks the track off or the mid-paced start-stop riff or the ironic opening vocals, “This is not the ending I was looking for”, but to be honest my heart sank a little when I would play this album. But I needn’t have been worried.

“Never be here again” (track 2) more than makes up for it. Personally, I’d bump this to be the opening track and bury the previous track further down the playlist. It’s funny how song order plays such an important part in enjoying an album … in a time when Spotify is trying its hardest to get rid of the concept of albums. (Clue: I haven’t used Spotify for over a decade and a half.) This is a wonderfully melodic track that builds to an emotional guitar solo.

“Monster” (track 3) opens with what sounds like a pumping keyboard progression before a grinding guitar riff drives this song through verse and chorus, each dripping with catchy melodic hooks. “Rage of ages” (track 4) is another song whose intro just doesn’t quite click with me, even if the rest of the song is quite catchy. “Abyss” (track 5) has a bit of a mid-80s thrash feel, until it comes up for air and drags a melodic hook up from the abyss.

There is something pleasing and fun about “Velocity” (track 6). It reminds me in places of Mordred (which is always a good thing in my book), but it soon morphs into a a stompingly good melodic rock song. Definitely one of my favourite tracks on the album, and well worth getting to track six for.

“Deadlands” (track 7) opens gently before upping the pace into something that wouldn’t sound completely out of place on an early 90s Helloween album. More melody, more soaring vocals and tight musicianship.

Finally, the album closes with what is possibly my favourite track on the album, “One more time around the sun” (track 8), a title that has now paired this album in my mind with the Mastodon album of a similar name (“Once more…”) This is a slower, beautiful ballad that is overflowing with melody , passion and pathos. I have to admit to at times just playing this track alone on repeat.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that this is a good album… but is it a great album? There is so many things that Balance of Power got right. The production and mix are pretty flawless, the performances are solid, Hazel Jade’s vocals are smooth and lush, occasionally pushing into a rough distortion which can sometimes cause problems, but here she bring control and additional colour to the songs. It’s just … in places the songs just don’t hit it for me.

Having not heard the previous incarnations of Balance of Power, but following their return from their length hiatus in the abyss, I can only judge them on this performance. And… well, it’s good with moments of real beauty. It’s been my album of the week, played on repeat, and that has to be a good thing. Right?

Review score: 80%

Video

Disclosure

Stampede Press contacted me inviting me to preview Balance of Power’s forthcoming album, thank you. I have no connections to either Stampede Press or Balance of Power. I’m not being paid to review this, but I did get a free digital copy of the album to review which is pretty cool. Many thanks to Rob from Stampede Press, and to Balance of Power for continuing to create fresh, exciting new music.