Band: At Vance Album: VII Label: AFM Records Rating: 8/10 Website: http://www.at-vance.com BUY NOW

German band At Vance, based around Guitarist Olaf Lenk, have been around for some time and, if you haven't guessed by now "VII" is indeed the bands 7th album. It is also the first to feature new vocalist Rick Altzi. "VII" is one of those albums that you don't really have an opinion on when you first sit down and listen to it. My first thoughts where that it is nothing special and I also wasn't too keen of Rick Altzi's voice. I decided to give it a chance though, and I'm really glad I did. It's perhaps not the most original album that you'll come across, but ultimately it's a breath of fresh air and really showcases some great musicianship. I was actually surprised just how much the album grew on me; I also found a real appreciation for Altzi's voice too. This along the lines Jeff Scott Soto and Jørn Lande and you'll know what to expect. It's mainly a mid-tempo album with only a couple of hit-or-miss songs. The majority of it is a very well written and constructed album, combining plenty of melody with heavier elements. If you're a fan of melodic metal a la Masterplan and Axel Rudi Pell be sure to give this one a chance. Chris Rogers Back to Reviews