Power Quest is mainly a vehicle for keyboard player Steve Williams' (ex Dragonheart)  "melodic power metal compositions". In this the band he has gathered around him do justice to the songs on offer.

The album opens with the title track 'Neverworld' which starts off with keyboards before  suitably heavy guitar and double kick drum tracks enter the fray. The song is very European Metal in style, with numerous changes in feel throughout the track complimented by soaring vocals. 'Temple Of Fire' continues with the European flavour with a nice time change between verse and chorus. The keyboards riffs incorporated give a slightly progressive touch to the song and the guitar solo leads into an impressive keyboard piece courtesy of guest musician Richard West.

Third song in 'Edge Of Time'  starts off with a keyboard intro that could very well be Van Halen, before proceeding into a more straight ahead rocker. The song has a very 1980's feel to it especially the pre-chorus which seems vaguely familiar, although I can't quite place it. 'Sacred Land' returns to the fast tempo with the vocals slightly lower pitched than the previous tracks.

'When I'm Gone'  is the token ballad on offer and not a personal favourite, but 'For Evermore' puts things back on track. Again this song is more of straight ahead rock song with less changes and that 80's feel rears it head again. The vocals stand out as Garavello hits some amazing notes, with nice harmonies provided in the chorus. The guitar solo is slightly less frenetic than others on show and again blends in with a keyboard solo.

'Well Of Souls'  takes us back into the aforementioned European Metal territory as the song goes through differing temp and time changes, the keyboards soar through the track complimenting some intricate guitar work. 'Into The Light' has a beautiful guitar based intro that is replicated throughout the song, whilst the chorus provides a memorable hook. The final song on this record is 'Lost Without You' which clocks in at 10 minutes 45 seconds. The keyboard intro gives way to a haunting guitar passage to which Sabine Edelsbacher lends her vocal talents. In fact when she takes the lead vocals she emphasizes what a great voice she has. The song is all light and shade and the chorus is instantly catchy, without doubt this is the albums stand out track.

Europe has been producing bands of this ilk for the last few years with the likes of Edguy, Blind Guardian et al. It is impressive to see a British band following in their footsteps. I am not certain what the market will be for this in the UK, but I can certainly see them making waves on the continent. This album is well thought out, played and produced and a credit to the band as a whole.

Let us know your views on 'Neverworld'

Track List

Neverworld
Temple Of Fire
Edge Of Time
Sacred Land
When I'm Gone
For Evermore
Well Of Souls
Into The Light
Lost Without You

Line Up

Alessio Garavello - Lead Vocals
Andrea Martongelli - Guitar
Steve C Scott - Bass
Steve Williams - Keyboards
Andre Bargmann - Drums