Power Quest – another record, another record label. This time round the Quest find themselves on Napalm Records out of Austria as the Americans would say. This, the band’s fourth CD, was recorded in various studios in the UK and Italy yet still hangs together sonically in Power Quest’s own inimitable style and really, truly deserves to be the record that puts the band right at the top of the power metal tree.  

“It’s quite a good little album,” said Our Glorious Leader Mr. Cummings. Far be it from me to disagree with the boss but it’s a bloody fantastic album chock full of memorable tunes that only the Quest can routinely throw out. For me, Power Quest haven’t made a CD that has been anything less than exceptional and Master of Illusion doesn’t let the side down in any way whatsoever. 

For the first time on record vocalist Alessio Garavello beefs up the sound on guitar but alongside Steve Williams’ keyboards it is Garavello’s voice that gives Power Quest their unique sound. It also helps that he has some exceptional songs to sing. I have at times found myself going about my daily business and suddenly a song from Master of Illusion pops into my head and won’t go away. This must have happened with almost every tune on the album such is the strength of the song writing. 

I Don’t believe in friends Forever ranks with Remembered by Firewind as my top tune of 2008 thus far, it really is ridiculously melodic and sing along in the same way that Children of the Dream was on the last Quest album Magic Never Dies. On Never Again Garavello hits some notes that only your average canine can hear and the probing bass of Steve Scott and tasteful licks of Andrea Martongelli combine to end the album on a high note. 

One thing that is particularly noticeable amongst all the (what some may call) cheesy keyboard driven power metal is a somewhat set of grown-up lyrical concerns. Nowhere is this netter illustrated than on Civilised? This song deals with the nature of man’s inhumanity to man yet still manages to be utterly hook-laden and as melodic as a very melodic thing indeed. 

I really can’t speak/type highly enough of Master of Illusion and suggest that you seek it out on the very first day it comes out because you’ll be doing yourself a big favour.

Let us know your views on Master Of Illusion

Track Listing

Cemetery Gates
Human Machine
Civilised?
Kings of Eternity
Master of Illusion
The Vigil
Save the World
Hearts and Voices
I Don’t Believe in Friends Forever
Never Again

Line Up

Alessio Garavello – Vocals/Guitar
Steve Williams – Keyboards
Andrea Martongelli – Guitar
Steve Scott – Bass
Francesco Tresca - Drums