Don’t know about you but I’ve not had many dealings with a Balkan state Metal band but in Bosnians HEAVEN RAIN that’s about to change and I am absolutely delighted in writing that this debut record is nothing short of excellent.

It isn’t perhaps the best start by opening with a brace of instrumentals however the quality is such that it is but a teaser for the rest of the record. ‘’Rain Will Fall Again’’ and the glorious title track are parts reminiscent of HELLOWEEN, EDGUY and most notably KAMELOT. The scything guitar riffs and swirling keyboards attest to the influences but this is no mere copying this is a bold statement of intent and delivered with an audacious flair. The vocals pitch in on ‘’Beauty Of You’’ and if your familiar with the syrupy gloss coated choruses of TEN then this song will hit the bulls eye. There’s a definite more Prog Metal slant to ‘’Go Away’’ and ‘’Final Point’’ echoing the rich tapestries woven by say AYREON; HEAVEN RAIN pull it off with ease and belie their tender musical age.

In no way should this record be vying for a place in my ever amassing pile of top albums for 2008 but HEAVEN RAIN is easily the pick of the Melodic Metal releases this year and I rate it as highly as EDEN’S CURSE ‘’Second Coming’’. That, my Melodic brothers and sisters, is praise indeed.

(Online December 18, 2008)