Anyone has to admit that the songs are always the key to creating intriguing musical endeavors. Whether you are referring to a more straightforward approach or elaborate works, there has to be a hook and there has to be riffs that grab your attention an pull you in; otherwise what good is music. Yeah you can have the musicianship, but what creates memorable songs that we can memorize in our head, what makes us want to pick up our guitars and play, it's the song. Over the past couple of years a band called AT Vance has created such tracks including "The Evil in You" from their last album of that same name that blew the minds of metalheads, with it's dark atmosphere.

Now with their latest release, Chained, At Vance continues their strengths of songwriting endurance to compliment their prowess for technical musicianship, led by axeman Olaf Lenk. The record itself offers straightforward thrusting power metal opuses such as "Tell Me," "Rise From the Fall," and "Run for Your Life" offering the consistency for double bass pounding and quick tempo riffage ala Gamma Ray/Stratovarius. But these guys take different steps to keep that sound from becoming redundant, most notably with songs such as "Run/Leave" and "Now or Never" offering a more melodic take in the vein of classic Savatage while more subdued works such as the dark "Live for the Sacred" and the instrumental "Invention #13," provide emotion for Chained.

Lenk also shines with another solo piece, which is just as the title hints to being an instrumental composition titled "Vivaldi Winter," showing prominent influence form both Malmsteen/Rising Force and Queen/Brian May sort of putting his classical influence into perspective. Along with vocalist Mats Levin, Olaf Lenk and Co. continue their stamina for melodic power metal glory, proof positive that all the hardships of lineup changes has only made this a stronger band, and it shows, or at least in this case plays on the latest record.

Written by Hashman
Thursday, June 2, 2005
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Ratings

Hashman: 8/10

Members: No members have rated this album yet.

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Comment by ThraX (Member) - Monday, June 6, 2005

View Profile Comments: 135 Ratings: 0 Excellent album with amazing vocals Mats Levin is definitely one of my all time favorite vocalists!......8.5/10 Posted by ThraX Monday, June 6, 2005

Comment by Jarkko Kyntäjä (Anonymous) - Tuesday, June 7, 2005

Just the opposite... I "found" this band after listening to Oliver Hartman´s performance in Avantasia project. When Oliver left the band, they did Evil In You, which is a good record. Althought it´s best feature is bonus cd with Hartmann on vocals... But this new record, Chained, is a little bit too soft and hard rockish to my taste. Very Rainbow sounding at times and in overall, something is missing. Yes, there´s very good tracks too, but not enough. AND, Mats Levin. Well, what can I say. Man tries hard and his performance is by no means bad, still, what he´s capable of, is not enough for me. Just when you think he´s gonna nail it, bang, silence. One of my favourite bands and so far this years biggest disappointment. 5.5/10

Comment by Alanna (Staff) - Tuesday, June 7, 2005

View Profile Comments: 245 Thrax: I believe Mats Leven was in Treat for a minute, and he was brilliant there... I've liked him ever since! Can't wait to hear this. Posted by Alanna (Staff) Tuesday, June 7, 2005

Comment by Law (Anonymous) - Friday, February 17, 2006

Another great album by this under-rated band. Any band that can get away with putting covers of both Abba and Classical songs on albums along with some awesome intricate, yet catchy songs is alright in my book. Also try some of their other albums, in particular Dragonchaser, and more recently Only Human which is fantastic.