Metal Underground.com

Taking a page from the classic bands that really started the heavy revolution, Stormzone’s latest album is an ‘80s metal fan’s dream come true, and there’s enough power metal injected in the formula to keep the new generation interested as well. “Zero to Rage” satisfies the retro metal itch, keeping the fist’s pumping, the head’s banging, and the horns held high.

Frequently on the cusp between a ballad and a shredding guitar solo, the album’s twelve tracks have an infectious attitude and an old school metal appeal. Each song is more an anthem than a collection of notes strung together. The vocals, consisting entirely of clean singing of course, soar between the mid to high range and are fantastically grandiose. It’s not quite at the high pitched falsetto singing that typifies the more bombastic power metal bands, but it definitely gets close.

Although the music isn’t lacking in the energy department, there also isn’t anything particularly technical or showy in the guitar riffs or drum beats. For some this may be a refreshing return to early metal form and a lack of pretention on the part of the musicians, but it also means there isn’t much going on as far as innovation or changes in style throughout the tracks. Several of the six and seven minute songs could easily be trimmed down by a minute or two by throwing out some unnecessary repeating choruses and guitar riffs that go on a bit too long.

Issues of innovation aside, “Zero to Rage” does its chosen style exceedingly well and will no doubt delight fans of Saxon or similar acts. Returning to a time before every band tried to outdo each other with flashy technicality or extreme brutality, Stormzone is a welcome port in the storm of modern metal that should be a household name for devotees of the old school.