Despite what the appearance of power metal looks to be on the surface, it is in my unfortunate experience that I find myself disappointed with what many bands tend to bring forward within the style nowadays. Far too often I end up coming across creations of the sound that feel manufactured and cheap without much spirit or intrigue to be had for me such that it’s only every few months that I’m able to find even one name that is able to scratch that itch that I’ve always had for properly done power metal, and I wasn’t expected to have it sated again so soon after the return of Blind Guardian. Not even two years after their first effort, Krilloan are already back with a full-length creation that is an increase in every department with it absolutely being that shot of well-done power metal that we simply don’t have the luxury of often.

Much like heavy metal or thrash, it doesn’t seem hard to bring a worthwhile piece of power metal to life given that the formula for it has been well-established for years now with it coming naturally to many, but it’s at the very same time that it becomes a situation that isn’t hard to bungle in any capacity. It feels like it has been far longer than seventeen months since I first heard Krilloan bring forth an interesting concoction with their debut EP, “Stories of Time Forgotten”, and it’s clear that the band wasn’t content to stand idly for long with them working hard and quickly to capitalize on the promise that they were able to summon forth on that first incursion to make their first full-length creation of “Emperor Rising” nothing to scoff at by any means whatsoever. From the very get-go of the record, Krilloan makes it clear that the passive route was simply not an option when they sought to bring this album to life in all that it has to offer with intoxicating energy at every turn, ripping solos and anthems, a presence and spirit that is nigh on a perfect vessel for a gripping work of power metal, and the raw, unfettered talent to bring it forth in such undeniable detail that it leaves one utterly glued in place. The argument could be made that “Emperor Rising” hardly does anything different to set this apart from much of what a lot of the rabble within the world of power metal brings to the table on a consistent basis, and while I’m inclined to go along with that in more than one way, the very spirit of Krilloan is something that simply cannot be ignored as it’s arguably the single most important factor that sets “Emperor Rising” above much of the competition with Krilloan soaring past any expectations I may have had for them last year.

It’s always one thing to do a style well, but it’s another thing entirely in order to really make it your own whilst demolishing virtually all the competition that you find yourself surrounded by. Without exception or compromisation, the full vision of “Emperor Rising” that was brought to the table for this release is what many try to bring forth with their own forays into the world of power metal with few able to bring to the level that we see here. It would be an egregious understatement to even insinuate that Krilloan didn’t live up to the promise that they laid forth on their EP last year, but I don’t think many of us could be ready for what they summon for a first go at a full-length record that’s nothing less than bombastic.

“Emperor Rising” releases on December 9th via Scarlet Records!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Emperor Rising” on Bandcamp here, or via YouTube below.

LIKE Krilloan on Facebook here.