Power metal majesty - A review of Orion's Reign's Scores of War

Orion's Reign is one of the most creative, epic and passionate symphonic power metal bands I have ever come across. Inspired by veterans like Virgin Steele, more recent genre bands like Magic Kingdom and so-called supergroups like Avantasia, Orion's Reign offers eleven diversified, melodic and powerful anthems. The epic ''The Gravewalker'' with its grandiose vocal efforts and the colourful ''An Adventure Song'' with its balanced mixture of medieval folk and symphonic elements are highlights on an overall very strong release.

The record features some interesting guest appearances by Mark Boals, Tim Owens and Marit Minniva Børresen who fully convince in their respective songs. However, regular vocalist Daniel Vasconcelos is at least as good as the guest singers and finds the right mixture between technical skills and overwhelming emotions. The keyboards are the most important instrument since they provide the cinematic symphonic soundscapes that give this band its unique identity. The guitar play convinces most in the mid-paced to fast melodic solos while the riffs could at times be more gripping. Bass guitar and drums form the solid backbone of the vivid tracks without truly standing out.

If you like symphonic power metal, Orion's Reign offers some of the very best material in recent memory and might as well qualify for best power metal record of the year. If you like the power metal genre, you have to explore this wonderful band. Epic orchestral parts with cinematic vibes meet tracks inspired by medieval folk passages in eleven creative, energetic and entertaining melodic power metal songs.

Final rating: 93%