Power Quest – Sixth Dimension

The first taste of newly revitalized UK band Power Quest came late last year with the inspired and energetic “Face The Raven” EP. That release was only meant as a warm-up for the eventual full-length: “Sixth Dimension”. Unsurprisingly, it sounds like Power Quest. Once again, Steve Williams and co. manage to sound happier and more upbeat than almost any band out there. Some might be turned off by the excessive cheesiness, but that is part of the appeal. The combination of cheery keyboard melodies and positive lyrics create a sound that few others can replicate successfully. And to Power Quest’s credit, they still deliver the riffs. “Lords of Tomorrow” has an awesome breakdown in the bridge with more traditional heavy metal riffing. The song is also deceptively quick, as its pre-choruses show the band unleashing some of their fastest tempos.

Most tracks replicate this sound, albeit some more successfully than others. The album is often at its best when it deviates slightly from Power Quest’s formula. “Face The Raven”, despite feeling a bit slower than on the EP (it has the same runtime, but feels less energetic), remains one of the more exciting tracks due to a paralyzing opening scream and crunchy riffing. Yet another highlight is the epic closer, “The Sixth Dimension”. The primary draw to this song is its triumphant chorus, which is dominated by new vocalist Ashely Edison. In fact, he rules all over this album. Few singers can pull off such a happy style of metal, but Edison does it with conviction by having tons of power in his voice, even if he often lacks grit.

For most, the positive atmosphere on this record might be too much. You certainly have to really not care what others think of your music taste to play this album in front of others, but even at their cheesiest, Power Quest should have something interesting to offer. A number of tracks unleash furious double bass underneath the soaring vocals. Even some of the “whoa-oh” sections, like the one in “Kings and Glory” are more in the vein of Iron Maiden than Freedom Call, for example. The lead guitar playing is also always excessively shreddy, and should appeal to most metal fans.

“Sixth Dimension” is the perfect representation of Power Quest. If you liked the band before, this album will be yet another worthy purchase, but is unlikely to change the minds of any detractors. While it can be easy to criticize a band for doing nothing new or original, “Sixth Dimension” is unlikely to yield any such complaints given that it is the band’s first album in 6 years. There really isn’t anything more a Power Quest fan could ask for!

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Highlights

"Lords of Tomorrow"

"Face The Raven"

"Revolution Fighters"

"The Sixth Dimension"

Final Rating

4.5/5 or 90%.