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I'm not familiar with Steel Raiser and wasn't particularly impressed after the first couple of listens, but things started falling into place after that. On Acciaio the band plays pretty diverse heavy metal with so many ingredients that your head will spin. Crunchy, early '80s heavy metal the common theme. At times the melodies remind me of Dio's solo material, sometimes it's more like Judas Priest meets Running Wild, sometimes throwing in some positive, catchy European power metal and I there are even short passages from the Rhapsody of Fire school of symphonic power metal, without the over-the-top aspect.

The vocalist is pretty good, with a good knack for melody and a bit of a raucous voice that give the songs a sharper edge. Sometimes he sounds a bit off, but it's not too bad. When the others join in, it's often cringe worthy, however. That takes some getting used to. Bottom line, Steel Raiser have created a melting pot of heavy and power metal that, while being a little all over the place, still somehow comes together.