The Melodic Rock rolls forever on. Power Quest unleash the follow up to 2004’s awesome “Neverworld” and this could be the shortest review in history. “Magic Never Dies” picks up where “Neverworld” left off in terms of melody and intensity and has succeeded in lifting the proverbial bar to new heights. In short, it’s pretty much faultless, but bear in mind that this is my ballpark as far as music is concerned and I find it almost impossible to find fault. I love the intensity, the virtuosity and the use of melody to create a neoclassical/power metal hybrid.  

The CD is introduced by the instrumental “Ascension”, a swelling orchestral piece which sets the mystical scene and provides a false sense of ease before the blistering pace of “Find My Heaven” and “Galaxies Unknown”, two tracks which just stay the right side of the “everything faster than everything else scenario”. And that’s the point, the band are in full control, both of musicality and individual performance. It’s the balance of the rhythm section barrage with swooping keyboards and razor edged guitar. Just as things reach melting point, the tempo drops a couple of gears for “Hold On To Love” which gives the band a different dimension and proves that they don’t just rely on terminal velocity. Whilst being ballad territory, there’s no Yank slush, it’s just a different direction and gives a little respite before the next glorious launch into “Diamond Sky”. Overall, this is the pattern of the album, a good mixture of tempo and the demonstration of (more than a few) really good musical ideas. 

If I have a criticism, it strikes me that vocalist Alessio Gravello, feels more confident with the pacier stuff than the slower numbers, the early verses in “Hold On To Love” just sound a touch “wishy-washy”. And believe me, that’s nit picking in the extreme. I genuinely think that if you’re a fan of this genre, you’ll love this. If you’re not a fan, it can be quite a difficult type of music to listen to; it’s all down to how you listen to it. It’s not background music and if you treat it as such you’ll miss the point. I tend to have a 50/50 split when listening to music, 50% hears songs and music and the other 50% hears performance, “Magic Never Dies” scores highly on both counts.  

Good to see, what is ostensibly, a British based band matching and surpassing the high standards set by their peers, definitely one of the bands to check out at the upcoming Firefest 2. And I can’t wait.

Let us know your views on 'Magic Never Dies'

Track List

Ascension (Intro)
Find My Heaven
Galaxies Unknown
Hold On To Love
Diamond Sky
The Message
Soulfire
Children Of The Dream
Strike Force
Another World
Magic Never Dies

Line Up

Steve Williams - Keyboards
Steve Scott - bass
Alessio Garavello - Vocals
Andrea Martongelli - Guitars
Francesco Tresca - Drums