• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

A story all too familiar kicks this one off, folks. You've heard it a thousand times. Top selling point for Casus Belli and their 2005 label debut? Their vocalist Panos Dedes auditioned for Judas Priest after Halford's departure and came, and I quote, "within a hair's breadth" of replacing the seminal metal god. Sure, pal. We believe you. When you hear even the first notes of In The Name Of Rose you will realize this guy never had a chance, because despite his obvious talents as a throat-ripper, he sounds nothing at all like Halford, so perhaps selling this on that promise (that what you'll get within is some kind of Painkiller hallelujah) is a puerile, insensitive notion. Apart from that, the album is quite something.

Like most of the releases Limb put out around this time, In The Name Of Rose consists of polished and consistent Power Metal, full of hooks and big guitar riffs, and it covers most ground within the genre, going from fast double bass shockers to mid-paced anthems. In essence, Casus Belli sound like a mélange of Firewind, Cryonic Temple, and Mystic Prophecy, and it's not surprising to see R. D. Liapakis behind the mixing desk, giving the sound a particular Regressus feel. It's pumped and ready to go, with plenty of balls and attitude, but the hooks are really sharp, and the vocals of our aforementioned frontman are very good indeed, having a raspy tone that brings to mind a certain Mr. Lande. There are great songs on here, such as nasty opener "I'm Your Master", the reflective "Edge Of The Knife", and the kicking "Isolation", which gyrates with a Running Wild groove, like a drunkard with the shakes. There is filler material, too, but that is still better than average.

Looking for a catchy but pissed off record of riff-heavy Euro Power Metal? Step right up. Just lie back, relax, and don't think of Judas Priest.