One of life’s little pleasures is that feeling you get when you put an album on which gives forth such stirring music that you can’t help putting your head back, punching the air with the devils horn sign and shouting “yeeesssssss”!!!.Before anyone rings for the authorities or dials 911 or thinks this reviewer has lost his marbles just stop and think for a moment and I reckon you’ll admit you all know what I’m trying to say.

One such genre, which can elicit this reaction, is “power metal”. When you listen to a band playing this style that are “in the zone” and all pulling in the same direction it can be both glorious and magnificent all at the same time.

With the release of “As Our Army Grows” English band Intense demonstrate just why power metal is more popular than ever. This is the second full-length album from the band following the critically acclaimed “Second Sight” (2004). The sonics and mix of the album are superb thanks to great recording and production from Karl Groom and Richard West (both Threshold).

The albums first two tracks “Anger Of the Ancients” and “Mirror Shroud” charge out of the gates with fantastic guitar riffing and wonderful powerhouse drumming (the drum sound deserves special praise as one can really hear that lovely tight slap on the double bass drumming. Very tasty). The vocals are passionate and both tracks are great rallying cries. The second guitar solo in “Mirror Shroud” is a spectacular wah drenched masterpiece, which really jumps out of the mix. “Our Last Hope” is a great menacing track, which sounds massive. There are neat and tidy guitar harmony parts, which provide an interesting arrangement. Midway through the track the band put their pedal to the metal and we get a stirring voice over to provide atmosphere. “You Die Today” is a great song made up from superb rhythmic parts. Listening carefully to the rhythm guitars reveals that Nick Palmer and Dave Peak know how to nail tight and intricate patterns. The songs guitar solos and interplay bring to mind classic Kirk Hammett (Metallica). “Insanity's Call” has a wonderful evocative opening and shows the band know how to build a song. The verses have a Rush like quality circa “Caress Of Steel”. “Temptress” has an almost “Nightwish”vibe about it due to the addition of a female vocal. “Fear Is Not Enough” gallops along and brings to mind “Hammerfall” and “Power Quest” but has a darker mood than those bands.

The final section of the album is made up of the track “Chronicles Of The New Flesh (Trilogy)”. It’s a spectacular three parter and is a real highlight and grand way to bring the album to a close. There are wonderful changes in time signature and the guitar riffing is truly magic. The guitar solo in “Trojan Transmission” really hits the spot and there is also a quirky almost progressive rock like breakdown. “Strange New World” is acoustically led and again early era Rush sprang to mind. It has depth and a real epic feel. Queensryche would die for a track like this. “Long Live The Flesh” sees the music charging to a wonderful climax.

Until being handed this review Intense were a name I hadn’t come across. Considering this is only their second full-length album the band has to be congratulated on nailing their own sound and putting in a head turning performance. Each listen has revealed more, especially where the guitar harmonies are concerned. There are some really neat parts, which only appear as you get to know the songs.

All in all a great release from a band who, on this display, have massive potential and are a very welcome addition to the power metal genre.

Let us know your views on 'As Our Army Grows'

Track List

Anger of the Ancients
Mirror Shroud
Our Last Hope
You Die Today
Insanity's Call
Temptress
Fear Is Not Enough
Chronicles of The New Flesh:
i) Trojan Transmission
ii) Strange New World
iii) Long Live The New Flesh  

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