They sensibly leave reinventing the wheel to others and I, for one, can't help but enjoy this for what it is.

It's been a few years since the interestingly spelt Victorius delivered their last album, the well-received 'Dreamchaser'. 'Heart Of The Phoenix' carries on where that release left off, throwing pretty typical Euro Power Metal at the listener until they give in or snap the disc in half.

Of the eleven tracks on offer, nine could have easily come from the recording sessions of that previous album. It's all full speed ahead, with drums at supersonic pace, underlying keyboards, fast guitar picking and David Baßin's melodic, high register vocals. In one way it's Power Metal by numbers, but it's done with a fair bit of talent so it's nonetheless a genuinely fun listen.

'Sons Of Orion' and album closer 'A Million Lightyears' throw an unnamed female vocalist into the mix to great effect, with the latter track much more mid-tempo in pace, you could say almost like a Nightwish single. Much as I like it, it sounds like a different band and that is something Victorius should keep an eye on lest they alienate fans. Like all bands of their ilk, Victorius are at their most entertaining when they let rip at breakneck speed, blending melody and power in equal measure.

Existing fans of Victorius will certainly enjoy 'Heart Of The Phoenix' and I'm confident there's plenty of Power Metal fans out there who would be happy to add another quality band to their collection. They sensibly leave reinventing the wheel to others and I, for one, can't help but enjoy this for what it is.

Alan Holloway