The past few years have been an interesting time for metal music no matter how you look at it. The amount of reunions and bands reforming has become a blessing to some and tiresome to others. Some of these acts need to let well enough alone, while others are showing new appetite and rekindling old flames. Maelstrom, who you more than likely have never heard of, have decided to jump the reorganization wagon and released It Was Predestined as a teaser of things to come.

Maelstrom is a New York based band that existed in the 1980’s and was doing well for them selves until the more extreme ends of metal music started to take over the masses. Combining flamboyant power metal antics ala Manowar, thrash, and neo-classical guitar skills, Maelstrom reaches epic proportions with ease. It Was Predestined sounds like it came right out of the late 80’s and although executed well, unless you’re into the old school sound, this won’t particularly excite you.

For fans of power/traditional metal in general, Maelstrom may be the force you have been waiting for. The amount of guitar noodling, spastic changes, and over the top vocals may just be something to set them apart. In this three song EP alone there is so much packed into under twenty minutes that it kind of sounds forced.

Gary Vosganian’s vocals are very over the top with everything from high pitched wails to a gruff, edgier delivery. All this is a little hard to stomach for a millennium metal head like myself. The style is an acquired taste and could be labeled cheesy to some.

Maelstrom is not your typical power metal act and It Was Predestined is going to strike a nerve with classic fans. New material is in the works. Let’s see how they measure up with the full-length.

[Visit the band's website]

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