I can see why people are bouncing up and down with excitement, even if I'm not.

It's always a little daunting when you get an album in the first week of the year that some people are already touting as a possible Album Of The Year. Yoinks – not much pressure to like it then! Italy's Wind Rose have certainly made plenty of friends with this, their second album, and although I'm not likely to be on their Christmas card list come the end of the year, I can see why people are bouncing up and down with excitement, even if I'm not.

'Wardens Of The West Wind' is a little like a musical version of all the bloodiest shows on the History Channel, except all the ones about Hitler. It's all chest-beating tales of glory and battle from Vikings to Pirates to Romans and full of atmosphere and bursts of Folk energy to tame the sort of Metal that Manowar would nod approvingly at whilst flexing their muscles.

Yes, this is a heavy album, more Traditional Metal than Symphonic, although with a sharp intelligence and sense of planning that is not apparent to those who just hear big riffs and ignore subtlety. I have to admit I'm not sold on the vocals of Francesco Cavalieri too much, as he's a little too shouty at times for my taste and this robs him of any real identity. He does the job, though, and won't frighten anyone off.

Wind Rose are obviously doing something right, and lovers of Folk Battle/Power Metal, injected with a bit of Prog and storytelling, will have a ball here. Ultimately, though, I found it hard to get as excited as some reviewers have, although I have no reservations in recommending this to anyone who's into this sort of Epic Metal.

Alan Holloway