Do I like to be known as the ‘Death Metal guy’? I mean it kind of fits, I do love Death Metal, I promote Extreme Metal through all of my writing and journalistic exploits but what people forget is that I have a very eclectic taste. Honestly, I probably spend more time looking for Comfy Synth releases than I do listening to every latest Death Metal album (what have I become). As part of my wide ranging tastes I also love a bit of Power Metal.
Today we’re going into the world of Battle Beast who I fondly remember seeing at Bloodstock in 2017 and having a whale of a time. If you like super catchy over the top modern Heavy Metal then get ready for all-out nerd music. If you don’t like bands such as Battle Beast then fair play to you, but also, please just let your hair down and immerse yourself, not everything has to be grim, dark and serious. Ranting over, these Finnish titans have had a strong output since 2005 with Bringer Of Pain being a particular highlight for me. Now however in 2022 we open the doors to the Circus Of Doom the bands sixth full length record, this time through Nuclear Blast.
For a Power Metal infused album there is a distinct lack of ‘epic intro’ and that’s no bad thing, I generally expect a three-minute symphonic track to begin an album but the title track here kicks things straight to the gear of Heavy Metal. The keyboards give off an almost Sabaton or earlier Rhapsody feel whilst the powerful vocals of Noora Louhimo punch through like a modern Doro. Cracking open Wings Of Light with a mighty falsetto the ultimate lame Power/ Heavy Metal shines through, catchy, fun and essentially Pop Metal, I’m totally into this kind of thing. Basically, the formula is there and Battle Beast seldom deviate from it, absolutely excellent fun but perhaps not in the classic echelon of the likes of Priest, Warlock, or Saxon. It has to be said though that Eye Of The Storm is a straight up banger, it absolutely draws you straight back into the fold.
Perhaps a little less exciting but still brilliantly memorable is Russian Roulette, it certainly has that sing a long feel to it and personally I’m all about that sort of instant feeling of involvement in Power or Heavy Metal. Perhaps one of the most bombastic and again ear catching moments is of course Freedom, highly melodic and full of epic Metal might. Now I’m not going to sugar coat it, the album certainly has some lulls, The Road To Avalon is one such example, is it bad? No, but it’s not really blowing me away, it’s not even like it’s filler either it’s just some tracks are far superior to others really. I suppose you could say that about any album but what I mean is the worst tracks are very forgettable where as the best are top tier modern Metal. Speaking of great songs, the albums conclusion in Place That We Call Home has a real fist pumping quality to it and is an excellent way to finish.
So all in all Circus Of Doom has its moments, is it the best modern Metal album I’ve ever heard? No probably not, but none the less it is fun and serves a purpose. That purpose is to entertain and have a good time. I might not be massively inclined to go out of my way to see Battle Beast but if they were playing locally or at a festival I know it would be an absolute blast. I can also see that this album will be a real winner with the more dedicated fans and perhaps even draw in a fresh crowd too.
(7/10 George Caley)
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