Dawnbringer

Majestic power metal highlighted by ripping guitar duets that would put any of Iron Maiden's six-string harmonies through the wringer interspersed with effective touches of blackened carrion and primal chunk, it's hard to believe Dawnbringer have been shelved, inactive or just unknown for the better part of 15 years, a fault Nucleus should clear up in a heartbeat. The efforts of Nachtmystium contributor Christ Black, this NWOBHM-inspired outing melts minds and shreds eardrums thanks to a determined vision, edgy delivery and unparalleled ability. Finding a middle ground between the Sword's artistic peculiarity and Priestess's slightly more rudimentary riff rock approach while still shovelling in an endless supply of fitting wankery, Nucleus is to European-based melodic metal what Black's day job is to Norwegian abjection: the Americanized, don't-fuck-around, demanding version that makes you fearfully respectful and endlessly transfixed.