This is a leading step in the equitable direction for the Italian Power Metal clan and army.

Conventionally, sophomore records fit concisely inside the barrel of exceedingly anticipated outlets, whilst wavering down the solid deepened streams of contemporary exhilaration with a divine and high-tempo breed of formulaic chaos. Therefore, Lombardy's untamed alliance Frozen Crown pledge an expressive and rapid homecoming as they fire all the elusive cannons across the plains of the Power Metal kingdom and pay homage to the sacred halls of the kings, bringing forth a new quick and responsive donation to the prized fanatics of the frost covered crowns of winterfall for a second visitation of triumphant glorification.

Furthermore, devotees of the traditional Power Metal structural dominance extravaganza will be sincerely gleeful with each and every inch of 'Crowned In Frost' from the acutely-rocketed offset because it ticks all the surrounding impassioned boxes of the desired listener that warm-heartedly lives and breathes this particular sub-genre of heavily-immersed Metal musicality.

Flying through the harmonious wavelengths of the Frozen Crown distribution, the welcoming five-piece hit the nail on the head with the high-spirited hammer of wrath and vengeance, whilst gathering the masses after a blissful initiation entitled 'Arctic Gales'. The band then dive into a speedy entry from the Milan-formed cavalry's back catalogue, eventually arising in the configuration of the storm descending unification of 'Neverending'.

Through the illuminated highlight of this distinct offering, 'In The Dark' truly serves its purpose as it brings all the cards to the table and exceptionally lifts the weight of this album to considerable heights, honestly depicting the Italians in the greatest light and the most appreciable manner of their career so far. Additionally, they produce something different that leans over to the other side of the coin on 'Crowned In Frost'; it captures the essence of a darker side and an elemental force to be reckoned with in fine contentment through the melodic Death Metal-influenced closer and title-track.

Besides the true Metal virtuosity, the only thing this record precisely suffers from is too many individual introductions layered down within the walls of designated songs with over-emphasised appearances.

Conceptually, this is a leading step in the equitable direction for the Italian Power Metal clan and army, which in time will subsequently prove to be a growing phenomenon of a colossal and commanding elite, the band surging forward in extensive battleships over the profound seas in the darkened nights through unspoken promises.

James Mannion