Knutsons' Return is a fine introduction to Masters of Disguise, Germany's answer to Savage Grace. The members of Masters of Disguise, including Roxxcalibur singer Alexx Stahl and Manilla Road drummer Neudi, were all enlisted in a Savage Grace reunion by original guitarist Chris Logue. Apparently Logue's heart wasn't in it and he abandoned the project but the remaining "Savage Grace" members decided to continue anyway, taking as their band name the title of Savage Grace's seminal debut.

I can't say I've heard anything by Savage Grace but if Knutson's Return, a digital-only EP released in advance of Masters of Disguise's debut album, is any indication, I need to correct that immediately. The songs on Knutson's Return are pure Power Metal with double-kick drumming and high-pitched vocals that are clear but not so smooth that they lack feeling. The bass foundation is excellent and the guitars have a nice bite though the playing isn't overly spectacular. Of the three songs on Knutson's Return, "For Now and All Time (Knutson's Return)" and the EP-only "Into the Fire" are the fastest with middle track "Alliance" breaking up the speed fest nicely. There are some great melodies and Stahl really shines on the choruses, which are extremely catchy.

Masters of Disguise is a new band but if you enjoy Power Metal of the Thundersteel and Glory to the Brave ilk, you won't want to miss anything they put out. It may not be all that original but it is damn good.