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Dark Gorgon Rising, the debut full-length from Cyprus' Astronomikon, is a solid slab of fantasy-based Power Metal. Guitars and keyboards share melodic duties though there are no over-the-top symphonic flourishes. The vocals are mostly clear and suit the music. The occasional harsh rasps, meant to symbolize Medusa, I assume, as this is an album about the Greek hero Perseus, neither add nor detract much from the flow. For the most part Dark Gorgon Rising is a pretty "safe" album and Astronomikon don't take many chances. This keeps the album from being a real killer but the band avoids most of the missteps young bands make when trying to be "different" or "adventurous," so it is going to appeal to a lot of Power Metal fans. If pressed, I would liken Dark Gorgon Rising to early/mid Blind Guardian with touches of Kiske-era Helloween and Heavenly. The bottom line is that Astronomikon have started on the right track and now need to work on those elements of their music that are going to make them unique in a field of imitators.

Additional Information

Note: The bonus track "Rocka Rolla Sword" is available on some versions though not the one reviewed here.