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Hailing from Italy, Power Metal band Energy of the Elements sound exactly like you would expect a band from that country playing that style of metal to sound. Early Labyrinth, Twilight of the Gods-era Kaledon, early Heavenly and Sonata Arctica are all good reference points. There are no surprises here and, quite frankly, I thank Energy of the Elements for that. Sometimes you want the challenge of absorbing something new and different and sometimes you just want to hit "play" and shut off your brain. And I mean that in a good way.

The three songs on Heavenly Force (plus the obligatory intro) are all double kick drums, sharp solos, ultra-high vocals and hooks that stick like Velcro. The melodies are glossy and smooth and the harmonies are saccharine-sweet. Singer Fabrizio (no last names are given on the band's Myspace page) has a voice perfectly suited to this style and approaches the likes of Kakko, Kiske and Kotipelto in his range (maybe he left his last name off the Myspace page because it doesn't begin with a "K" like his heroes?) The riffing of guitarist Riccardo is sharp and precise and bites like and angry lap dog. It won't blow your head off or anything, but, hey, this is Power Metal not Brutal Death. As one would expect, the performances are pitch perfect. The songs are good, not great, and showcase the band's potential. The high speed assault starts with "Time to Believe" and doesn't let up all the way through the last song "New Light." After one spin, I was humming along with all the choruses and drumming my hands on the steering wheel. As I said, this shit is catchy.

This EP is not going to dethrone any of the titans of Power Metal, but it sure makes me look forward to Energy of the Elements' next release. No one is going to become a born again Power Metal fan because of Heavenly Force, but the faithful will be rewarded by checking it out.