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First off, let me tell you Greece's Sacral Rage is one amazing band! The band's ambitious attempt to combine some of the best elements of classic Speed Metal and straightforward Heavy Metal has turned out to be very successful on their debut album Illusions in Infinite World.

Looking at the album cover, one can make an easy association with Agent Steel. Vocalist Dimitris K. and his high-pitched screams throw all of us back to the strange alien worlds of those beloved Californian Speed Metal merchants and that isn't a bad thing by any means. However, Sacral Rage isn't a 6th-rate copycat of Agent Steel. There's more to their sound than simply trying to take advantage of something that has already existed for years and is loved by many.

Illusions in Infinite Void is a very detailed, carefully crafted and complex album that challenges its listeners. Marios P.'s guitar work is splendid in every possible way, having an ear for tight rhythms and conjuring up some killer and tasty solos. The same words apply to his fellow musicians. Bassist Spyros S. creates a firm backbone with his heavy-handed bass treatment while drummer Vagelis F. is simply the man behind the drum set. Bands like Watchtower, Crimson Glory and Agent Steel have all played a part in how Sacral Rage wants their Metal to sound on Illusions in Infinite Void, e.g. progressive Speed/Heavy Metal with many classic elements. The whole album shreds this old corpse indeed and the only minus amidst this otherwise strong whole is the odd empty space found in the last song "Lost Chapter E.: Amarna's Reign". One gets the feeling the song ends at the 6:10 mark but then it starts again at the 10:20 mark. Relatively pointless I would say (or I simply did not get it).

Nonetheless, Illusions in Infinite Void is undoubtedly worth purchasing, so get it – preferably today! You won't regret it.