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I'd thought we'd lost Greek Power Metallers Innerwish to the same depths that took bands like Ironware, Wyvern and Guardians of Time, especially with it being four years since the band unleashed their third, critically acclaimed Inner Strength opus. Thankfully the band are back, sounding stronger than ever with their best release, the wonderful No Turning Back, and I think after people get a load of this the title will seem very apt indeed.

I've always had a soft spot for these guys. Ever since I snapped up their 2004 sophomore effort Silent Faces I've enjoyed their odd mix of US-styled guitar work (a sharp Jag Panzer/Primal Fear mix) with their pompous German/Swedish-esque Euro melodies. In the beginning, the band was a heavier outfit, but their last album saw them move into the happy Power Metal sphere, and that's where they have stayed. With a crisp Nordstrom/Finnvox production, No Turning Back is a rocket ride of catchy choruses, bitching solos, melodic riffing, and clear, high-reaching vocals courtesy of Babis Alexandropoulos (wow, that's a long autograph!), whose once-timid vocals have improved a hundred-fold, sounding strong and confident in a way they never have before.

With songs like pumping opener "The Sign Of Our Lives", the infectious "Chosen One", the epic "Sirens" and the almost perfect speed-fest "Full Of Lust", Innerwish have made a great Power Metal album here, one that is a must-have for fans of Gamma Ray, Heavenly, HammerFall, and Firewind. There aren't many bands doing this stuff anymore, and it's great to hear it done with so much passion and conviction. And what about Ulterium Records, huh? First the excellent Sinbreed album and now the new Innerwish. What's next? I've got my fingers crossed for the new Morifade...