• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Oh yes. Look at the name. Look at the artwork. Look at the band. This. Is. Cool. German candy metallers Crystallion have finally landed a deal with Dockyard1 after releasing their sadly missed debut A Dark Enchanted Crystal Night themselves, and now they are continuing their obsession with the Templar myth and the battle of Hattin with its follow up, which as you may have noticed, is also the name of the album. Those who think Power Metal is all about big hair, tight trousers and sword-and-shield concept albums, you're bang on the money. And you get plenty of value for it, too.

Okay, so Crystallion aren't in line to receive a Noble Prize for Hattin, but it is an awesomely uplifting album of catchy, striking, happy Power Metal very much in the Helloween, Sonata Arctica, Edguy and Thy Majestie vein, complete with overpowering keyboards and dominating narration, scorching double-pedal abuse, fierce guitar harmonies, and soaring, Kiske-esque vocals. I'll tell you this right off the bat: this is probably the most formulaic album you'll hear all year, but it is right up my street, and if your bag is shiny symphonic Power Metal, it'll be right up yours too. Tracks like "Vanishing Glory", the triumvirate epic "The Battle" and infectious opener "Wings of Thunder" (look at those titles!) are all 100% mined Power Metal gold, brimming over with sickly sweet sentiments and pompous overture. But it may be a bit much for some, so unless you like to spray on those leather trousers before heading out for hair conditioner, I'd recommend you concentrate on improving your social life. I'm too far gone now. Save yourselves!