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I'd be pushed to admit it, but I think under interrogation I would admit to this being the best debut of 2007, no questions asked. Initially the collaboration of American vocalist Michael Eden and Scottish bassist/songwriter Paul Logue, Eden's Curse reads like a what's-what of the Melodic Heavy Metal scene, with appearances from Code of Perfection's Thorsten Koehne, Steve Grimmett's Pete Newdeck, and the infamous synth-wizard Ferdy Doernberg, all wrapped up in a shiny Dennis Ward production that glimmers like a whore's lip gloss.

While the album isn't exactly a varied affair, every single track offers a bigger hook than the last, with a driving sense of direction pushing the harmonic guitars, shimmering keys, pounding drums, and big, catchy choruses into a healthy mix of Silent Force and Evidence One, with a few excursions to Domain and Crystal Ball on the way, too. Eden's vocals are extremely emotive, and he soars between mid and high range like a seasoned pro. This is complimented naturally by the powerful compositions of Logue and the man himself, which stretch from melodic stompers like "After the Love is Gone" and the indelible "Judgement Day", to heavier displays such as "Fly Away" and "Don't Bring Me Down". But — and I can't believe I'm saying this — the highlight of the album is the arresting ballad "The Voice Inside", which has some of the most genuinely poignant lyrics I've ever heard, sung beautifully by Eden in a touching exhibition of stirring sincerity.

There isn't a bad song to be found on Eden's Curse, although perhaps the cover of "We All Die Young" by fictional metallers Steel Dragon from the acclaimed movie Rockstar should have been left on the cutting room floor. I see big things in this band's future, and I'm chomping at the bit for album number two. I suggest you grab a copy of this one to find out why.