Metal Underground.com

On "Terra Incognita," Arryan Path takes a musical journey through the epic styles of power metal heavyweights like Iron Maiden and the late, great Ronnie James Dio, sprinkling in hints of Led Leppelin's "Kashmir" and Middle Eastern influences. It's epic metal that touches base with mythology, history and literature, if sometimes hitting a few too familiar themes.

I have to say that it's quite unfortunate that the band's name will no doubt deter a lot of listeners. Their label, Pitch Black, has a statement in the press kit for the album explaining that "arryan," with a double-r is a type of flower, and that the band has nothing to do with Nazism or racism in any fashion. In listening to the album, there's no evidence of racism in the lyrics.

These Greek rockers aren't afraid to mine their own country's history and mythology, with "Molon Lave" telling the story of Spartan King Leonidas' and his 300 men's struggle against a vastly superior Persian army at Thermopylae (see the movie "300" or read the vastly superior graphic novel for an interesting telling of the battle). It's the best song on the disc, with Nicholas Leptos delivering just the right amount of operatic heft in the vocals, and his brother, Socrates, delivering a superb guitar solo. "Cassiopeia" has its roots in Greek myth, as well.

The band, especially keyboardist Geroge Kallis, adds an excellent North African/Middle Eastern vibe to "Terra Incognita," while "Ishtar," with its jangling sitar opening takes us closer to India. "The Blood Remains On The Believer" features a soaring chorus that reminds me a great deal of Ronnie James Dio, mixed with Maiden-style guitars.

On the other hand, there are a few too many tracks that feel a bit generic. I'm sure it comes as little surprise when a power metal act decides to tell some Tolkien, as Arryan Path does here with "Minas Tirith," and tracks like "The Mind," "Angel With No Destination" and "Open Season" have a "power metal 101" feel to them, with little to distinguish them from each other.

Still, Arryan Path makes more right turns than wrong ones on this disc. Power metal fans will enjoy getting lost in "Terra Incognita."