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On Mega Colossus' fourth album, the six-song Showdown, they've retained the sci-fi/fantasy lyrical themes (e.g., Indiana Jones on "Fortune and Glory," aerial dogfights on "Take to the Skies," etc.) and leaned more into the speed in their take on hyper-melodic traditional/power metal. There are parallels with bands like Dragonforce in the squealing twin-guitar leads that pop up often throughout Showdown, and I can also pick up a bit of Dark Forest on the title track with the intricate yet accessible melodies and high range vocals. These guys are also unabashed fans of '70s rock, so don't be surprised by the Kansas-style vocal harmonies ("Wicked Road") and Van Halen-inspired guitars ("Take to the Skies") they pay homage to. Along with the influences I've already mentioned, bands like Walpyrgus and Slough Feg sound like they have left their impressions on Mega Colossus as well. I have to admit, this one took a few spins to sink in, but I found myself enjoying it more and more each time I played it. If you want something a little quirky and want to bust out the air guitar at the same time, grab a copy of Showdown.