THE Sixth Dimension is the latest release for UK melodic metal outfit Power Quest. The band led by founder and keyboardist Steve Williams return after a five-year gap since their last release Blood Alliance. The Sixth Dimension heralds a complete lineup change for the band with the exception of leader and songwriter Steve Williams (Keyboards) who is joined by Ashley Edison (Vocals), Andy Kopczyk (Guitar), Glyn Williams (Guitar), Paul Finnie (Bass) and Rich Smith (Drums). If you are looking to find your weekly dose of metal fuelled death and destruction then this is definitely not for you. This album has an overwhelmingly positive feel with the lyrics promising us that no matter how bad today is tomorrow will be a better day.
The opening track ‘Lords of Tomorrow’ introduces the new Power Quest line up with a fast-paced melodic song with the lyrics setting the tone for the rest of the album. “Honesty, integrity may be a long way home but I know it’s the way I must go.”
‘Kings and Glory’ is a straight ahead power metal song dominated by the keyboard of Steve Williams. ‘Face The Raven’ begins with a heavy guitar riff and a scream from vocalist Ashley Edison that threatens to do permanent damage to your eardrums. The heavy riff continues throughout the song with some excellent soloing work that introduces the talents of guitar duo Andy Kopczyk and Glyn Williams.
A peaceful acoustic guitar starts ‘Revolution Fighters’ but is soon replaced by a driving riff, wailing keyboard and pounding rhythm section to become one of the heaviest songs on the album. Paul Finnie and Rich Smith anchor this track while the two guitars and keyboard duel for supremacy.
The title track ‘The Sixth Dimension’ co-written by Steve Williams and Richard West (Threshold) also finds Anette Olzon (ex Nightwish) guesting on vocals. This is the most interesting song on the album with time changes littered throughout and shows the signs of a band beginning to discover their collective potential.
Power Quest has made an album where the production is so clean that you could eat your breakfast off it. There are moments of brilliance contained within the songs of this album but they are tempered by moments of what can only be described as verging on the average. If you are looking for something to inject a ray of sunshine into your dark metal world than this may just fit the bill for you.
