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Wow. That's all I could think the first time I listened to Oratory's Beyond Earth all the way through. My next thought was to hit the play button again. It's all here Melodic Power Metal fans: speedy riffs and double kick drums, soaring clear vocals (courtesy of the highly talented Ana Lara), catchy sing-a-long choruses and some absolutely massive hooks. Oh, and the lyrics are all about the travels of Portuguese national hero Vasco de Gama, so the storyline is suitably epic.

Beyond Earth begins on a high note with the title track, foregoing a cliché intro, and proceeds to churn and burn through riff after riff and hook after hook. There are absolutely no clunkers to be found anywhere. Tracks like "Concilium," "Victory and Light," and the closer "A New Quest" beg for repeated listens. Ana Lara does an exceptional job and has a beautiful voice, which is showcased on the ballad "Story of All Times." The rest of Beyond Earth maintains a fairly fast tempo, which really helps the album flow. Oratory have proven themselves skilled songwriters. Every track keeps the listener engaged and never bogs down with unnecessary interludes or self-serving soloing.

The strangest thing about Beyond Earth is Oratory's decision to include a cover of The Bangles "Eternal Flame" as a "hidden track" at the end of the album. I mean, come on, they could have picked a better Bangles track like "Going Down to Liverpool" or "Walk Like an Egyptian"….not that I know any other tracks by The Bangles or anything. Um, let's just all forget I wrote that last line, ok?

What we have here is a flawlessly executed Melodic Power Metal album that should instantly please fans of Sonata Arctica and Nightwish. Actually, any fan of the genre should check this one out. Highly Recommended.