These are the kinds of reviews that are hard to do. When there are things that are clearly very good about an album coupled with things that seem to hold it back from becoming essential, it can be confusing trying to write them. If the good is over-praised, you run the risk of disappointing people. If the not-so-good is overly ridiculed, you run the risk of someone with different taste missing something they might be into. This is the case, for me, with The Seventh Power’s Dominion & Power.

Let’s start with the music itself. Guitarist Bill Menchen has crafted some strong, solid Heavy Metal calling to mind early Ozzy Osbourne, Dio-era Sabbath, Armored Saint, etc. with occasional swipes at early, traditional Doom. The riffs are heavy, the tempos are mid-paced and driving and the solos are very good. Drummer Robert Sweet of Stryper (insert bumblebee joke here, but this dude can play) guests here providing some heavy handed, spot-on rhythms with just the right amount of flash…imagine Cozy Powell with a bit more ‘80s spice. Yep, musically, Dominion & Power is ten songs of pure Heavy Metal both well crafted and well played. Vocally, however, it’s another story.

I get what Menchen (who handles lead vocals as well) is attempting here. It’s the tried and true Ozzy-styled vocal…stay in key & stick to the tempo. What’s missing is a sense of urgency. There’s no “oomph” in the vocal performance. While in key and in time, the vocals sound more like they’re the placeholder for the real singer, so he’ll to know where to sing when he gets to the studio…the “demo vocal”, if I may. Were a bit more fire added to the vocals, they could have pushed this album over the top.

Again, the songs here are strong…”Everlasting Fire”, “Sacrificial Blood”, “Raise ‘M High”…old school head-bangers every one. Also, if you haven’t guessed by the song titles or the players, the lyrical themes are unapologetically Christian. If I’ve intrigued you at all, give it a shot. For fans of the riff & strong playing, there’s plenty to sink one’s teeth into.

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