• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

This is the debut full-length from German metallers Sacred Gate. The band's style is that of traditional heavy/power metal with a suitable degree of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest worship. It's good to see a lot of bands mining this vein at the minute, and I've really enjoyed releases from the likes of Alpha Tiger, RAM, and Steelwing lately. Especially considering a lot of these bands are doing it well; Sacred Gate can add themselves to that category as well.

Whilst as unoriginal as they come Sacred Gate are energetic, and their songs and arrangements are always fun and catchy. Their vocalist Jim Over has a charming and charismatic voice, and whilst not technical amazing is always enjoyable. The guitar work is superb, with a lot of tasty licks and air guitar-inducing riffs. Holding everything together is a tight, classic-sounding rhythm section. The bass delivers the most in terms of heaviness, largely sticking to a rhythmic format with a great place in the mix. As for the drums, they're unspectacular but entirely right for the band's sound with the good old snare-kick-cymbal-kick type of beat.

As I stated before, there is a fair bit of Maiden worship on offer across When Eternity Ends and on further inspection I'd say the band's sound welded this heavy Maiden influence in with Tad Morose at their most rocking a la "Corporate Masters" etc, which is really cool. Tracks such as the title track "In the Heart of the Iron Maiden" and "Burning Wings" are just great, although it is a shame the band includes a little filler in the form of "Freedom of Death". For the most part though When Eternity Ends is a good release, and heavy/power metal fans that enjoy an 80's slant are going to want to check it out.