This was interesting from the start, a PR sheet with no track list and a CD with no track list, so as we are nice and organised at Ave Noctum, the track list was finally found via some method or another.

Torian are a power metal band from Germany, I must admit, my lack lustre intro is really down to the fact that I have had a power metal overload recently in my reviewing duties, but this is why I can honestly say Torian stand out the most. After the opening moments of ‘Grateful’ when the drums start up, the double kick, the vocal harmonies, the guitar riffs, this is very reminiscent of the first demo era of Dragonforce (then called Dragonheart) and the slower songs from Sonata Arctica’s debut….any detracting thoughts are no longer in my mind, this is rather stimulating, precise, and heavy power metal.

Continuing down their path to glory are songs like ‘Fires Beyond the Sun’, the drums are rather fast, almost to the pace of black and death metal inspiration or extreme power metal drumming made famous by that aforementioned British band. The band have the same art of mixing unfathomable speed with some credible vocal harmonies, thus their integration is effortless. If you try to avoid epic ballad type songs on releases, be warned, there are a couple of them and songs such as ‘Lords of Babylon’ are of such an ilk, but this should not be labelled as stereotypical, it is really worthy of your time, right down to the Gamma Ray styled ‘Oceans’. The main overall pleasing factor on this release is the lack of excessive vocal warbling, and no wannabe opera singers rearing their unwanted heads. This also means that the arrangements remain solid and less cringe worthy, but you can still feel at home with the expected gallops, time changes, guitar noodling, and this bands redeeming factor is that it’s all done with a touch of class and artistic restraint.

‘Dawn’ is a nice release, it’s not going to break any new ground, but it is much stronger than some of the power metal material on offer of late. Torian have successfully submitted their blueprints resulting in the conclusion that the vocals are the key in this release, specifically the harmonies, so if you are able to find this CD, check it out.

(6.5/10 Paul Maddison)

http://www.torian-legion.de