Monsters World of Metal

I say enough with all this Stratovarius and Sonata Arctica comparisons already. If this was another Finnish bunch with a necessity to glorify over the top keyboards and twin guitars, Monster's World Of metal wouldn't be saying KIUAS fuckin kicks ass. Speaking of which how do you say their name? Do you pronounce it like you do with Kyuss? Anyhow�

If you want comparisons try looking at this band this way. How about combining the power/speed metal forces of Hammerfall, Lost Horizon, Manticora, Archetype, Beyond Twilight, Falconer, Tad Morose and Nevermore. Then factor in how this cool vocalist, who by the way can switch modes-from clean, to raspy, gnarly and so on easily but still lacking some training- and who adds a exciting melodic aspect to Kiuas to display further the influences, styles and textures of Children Of Bodom, Morifade, Borknagar, Vintersorg, Amorphis and Emporor (an interest contrast with his real vocal influences). The catalogue gets bigger the more you listen to them. Musically wise the 3 tracks are ever so always moving from one pace-time-and genre to another. "Warrior Soul" distinguishes the mighty way of the sword metal with fantasy lyrics and grooves bordering many genres including sequences from the thrash world. "Across The Snows" characterizes Kiuas' edgier, ethereal and more extreme metal vibes, going anywhere from melodic Scandinavian/Spanish folk metal to hyperblasting-crunching death/power, while the closer is a song that exemplifies a suit for the vocalist, testing the waters of slower paced melodic AOR.

Maybe Kiuas bathes in Northern Viking mythology and what not, and yes some might feel we can never get enough of the fantasy corn or that this band isn't breaking new grounds. They are definitely not! I for one can pass on that but for some unknown reason, this band is rather refreshing with an attitude. There may be some tweaking needed with the vocals and trying to not fit so many cd's into one song but as far as I am concerned, we can't wait to hear some more.

5.75/10