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Power metal fans; do you yearn for the days of old, Europeans screaming at the top of their lungs about high fantasy, complete with bad English accents? Guitarists wearing leather pants and blouses moving their fingers faster than Malmsteen on a sugar rush, double-kick drums, classical music influence, keyboard solos, and bass arpeggios? Well, ladies and gentleman I present you with your time machine back to 1999.

Poland's Pathfinder can count themselves among the few bands to have released a perfect debut. There isn't a single note out of place throughout the album's 70+ minutes, Beyond the Space, Beyond the Time is a showcase of unashamedly brazen power metal the likes of which are seldom seen nowadays. There's nothing new – or original for that matter – here but the sheer conviction and pomposity speaks for itself.

The album largely sticks to the double-kicked style but there are a few songs that are more mid-paced, bringing to mind Kamelot at their best, in particular the classy "Sons of Immortal Fire". Tracks such as the opening on two punch of "The Whisper of Ancient Rocks" and "Pathway to the Moon" are both excellent fast-paced power metal numbers, the latter of which features the all too familiar Beethoven influence, although for my money is just about the finest I've heard Moonlight incorporated into power metal.

The band proves they can keep it up over the longer songs, with the title track being an absolute highlight. An appearance by Labyrinth's Rob Tyrant should be enough to have any power metal nut frothing at the bit. Final mention in the track listing has to go to "The Lord of Wolves" which is one of the most tanked up, boisterous power metal tracks I've ever heard. The middle section of this track is without a doubt one of the most hyperactive displays of sheer musical ability I've heard, the keyboard solo followed by both guitars and keyboards harmonized is the equivalent of musical Viagra for me.

All in all, I've become ridiculously enamoured with this band. They've tickled me in all the right places, and I'll no doubt be spinning this for years to come. If you're a fan of bands such as (deep breath) Rhapsody, Angra, Dark Moor, Dragonland, Aquaria, Heavenly, and yes, even Dragonforce you need this. Next to the latest Power Quest this is without a doubt some of the best power metal you're going to find at the moment. Highly recommended.