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Holy Dragons are something of a cult band. Hailing from Kazakhstan, a country that I'm sure most people are oblivious to, implementing a drum machine and playing speedy Power Metal with Russian vocals certainly combine to set this band apart. Considerably far apart. If you've heard other Holy Dragons albums, you'll know exactly what to expect. Another year, another two Holy Dragons releases.

Unfortunately, that means the agitating drum machine strikes once more. It casts a dull hue over the colorful array of riffs set out on the album. It seems this band can't keep a drummer behind the kit, which is really tragic, because the mechanical, monotonous sound of the drum machine is the only real detractor of this metal assault.

Crunchy traditional heavy metal riffs and blistering speed metal leads come one after another. The vocals are a tad loud in the production, but it's rare to hear anything other than English in Power Metal so it's a nice change. The bass is crisp and stands out well, normally playing a part differing from the lead being played.

Then there's the drums. While the parts sound like something a well versed drummer would play, the bright monotonous sound, again, totally destroys this whole album for me. Why the band would throw their time and talent away like this is beyond me.

The riffs on the album, as with all their material, are thoroughly awesome. Thoroughly metal, immensely melodic and relentlessly quick. Despite the drums, some of the riffs are fantastic and instantly memorable.

If you can overlook the drum machine, or you've heard other Holy Dragons and know you can - then it's definitely worth it. Like I've said so many times before, if only they'd just get a real drummer, they would stand head and shoulders above the crowd.

If only.