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If nothing else, Olympos Mons' second full length conjures up the exact images the title would advocate. A good three years in the making, the shrewdly titled "Medievil" certainly should have sounded better, but as a result of petulant line up changes and a shift in direction these spell-casting Finns undoubtedly give it a good go, and for the most part, "Medievil" is a very adequate, enjoyable listen. For the most part, mind you.

Instead of building upon their amalgamation of catchy melodies and menacing guitar work, Olympos Mons have instead focused their efforts on sounding as boisterous and pretentious as humanly possible; the songs themselves suffering under the immense weight of tiny testicles. It's not like this is a bad album, not by any stretch of the imagination. But the songs just don't stick around long after the first couple of spins – something I thought 2004's "Conquistador" carried out with aplomb – and apart from "Wolves" and "One Word", the melodies are just lost within the grandiose arrangements and the endless shrill whisper of Ian Highhill. Granted, the songs, when the guitars are cranked to 11, sound heavier than on their last effort, particularly during the title track's pulsating intro, but at times there just isn't enough justification to mash the thrash/power metal styles together with a pestle of futility.

"Medievil" sounds great, no question there. The production – in similar style to the debut – is extremely brumal, giving the atmosphere an authentic hue, but that doesn't make up for the lacklustre song development. Repeated spins, however, ease my expectations and "Medievil" becomes quite a pleasurable listen, especially during the more traditional neo-classical sections and the happy, Sonata Arctica swashbuckling jaunt of "A Race Between Two Hearts." So, if you are unacquainted and enjoy fast, galloping power metal chock full of Rhapsody-isms and Symphony X-like solo breaks, Olympos Mons are the ones to book for your next D&D party. Those who heard "Conquistador", approach with your sword and shield raised for conflict…