Oh Greece, how you spoil us metal fans. The Mediterranean country that has given the world so much history, science, mythology, and of course, metal music, has been on a roll this year, with many of their best unleashing new material. Firewind, Rotting Christ, Yoth Iria, and Acid Mammoth have all put out absolutely stellar albums in 2024, and now, after an eight-year wait, power metal veterans InnerWish return with "Ash Of Eternal Flame." As you've no doubt deciphered from the opening sentences, if you haven't skipped ahead to the score already, the sixth full length from the sextet is very impressive, but not only that, it may very well be their best yet.

As many of the best power metal albums start, the opening number "Forevermore" sets the scene brilliantly. The song gradually builds up with the help of choral singing and an excellent drum beat, before turning into a faster affair. It's here that two of the record's best features make their presence known, in the forms of vocalist George Eikosipentakis and drummer Fragiskos Samoilis, who both do so much to establish the vibe that will evolve from here on out. In fact, the following track, "Sea Of Lies," includes not just a great performance from Eikosipentakis, but also sees him hold his own alongside guest singer Hansi Kürsch of Blind Guardian. The song itself was chosen as the first single and it's easy to hear why, given its powerful message and bombastic music, which combined make it one of several highlights.

Speaking of which, "Ash Of Eternal Flame" offers plenty for power metal fans of all tastes. The title track, the longest on the album, packs so much into its seven-minute run time, including one of several superb choruses, an exciting rallying cry, and an acoustic outro. Elsewhere, "The Hands Of Doom," contains a darker edge that's guaranteed to make the listener nod their head and stomp their feet, while "Soul Asunder" knows when to bring a lighter side to a fast and adrenaline-fueled stormer. Even bassist Antonis Mazarakis gets a moment in the sun thanks to the intro to "Once Again," where the guitars strum at perfect interludes to foreshadow the excellent melody that makes such an impact.

Normally I reserve the fourth paragraph for discussing the negative aspects of an album, but for fans of the band and power metal in general, it'll be difficult to find any. Every member does a brilliant job here, with founding guitarists Manolis Tsigos and Thimios Krikos holding down the fort with fantastic playing from start to finish, whether that be solid rhythms or exciting solos. The rhythm is especially noteworthy on "I Walk Alone," a soaring piece that puts the power into power metal. "Ash of Eternal Flame" then concludes very well with "Breathe," which begins with a rising patter that becomes reminiscent of the glory days of 80s metal, without being derivative or uninspired.

InnerWish may have kept fans waiting for a long time as they begged for another album, but it proved to be well worth the wait. Though other bands in the sub-genre may overshadow them, InnerWish demonstrates why they deserve to be talked about in the same breath as Hammerfall or Primal Fear, up there with the very best in terms of quality and talent. Fans will find eleven powerful songs on this album, each with their own identity and purpose, with plenty to say about a variety of subjects. In a year where power metal has been in incredible form, InnerWish has laid down the gauntlet to all challengers with this beast of a record.