Tag: Hard Rock

Balance of Power are no strangers to the heavy metal scene, having released a string of albums from the late 1990’s to early 2000’s. But it’s fair to point out that they haven’t exactly been in the spotlight for a while. Their last album, “Heathen Machine” (2003) was released almost 21 years ago! So, when their new creative offering comes out on April 19th, 2024 via Massacre Records, and is titled “Fresh From the Abyss“, just know that they are not kidding. It does feel as though they are crawling out of an abyss of sorts.

As you might well have expected, the band have returned from this hiatus with a brand new line-up. Founding members Tony Ritchie (bass) and Lionel Hicks (drums) are now joined by female lead vocalist Hazel Jade and guitarists Chris Young and Adam Wardle. Jade’s presence represents a major change for Balance of Power, which previously had only employed male vocalists, and is a big reason for why this album piqued my interest. On “Fresh from the Abyss“, she consistently demonstrates that she belongs to a class of hard rock singers that is all her own. And if there is anybody who can “wow” listeners and bring back attention to Balance of Power, then it’s definitely her.

Jade dishes out plenty of depth, emotion, and electrifying intensity on each of these tracks, but with a level of sophistication that avoids overshadowing the rest of the band members. In fact, you could say that the “balance of power” is just right. And for being able to achieve this, we should also bestow credit to Sam Lowe and Mike Plotnikoff for the mixing/editing. But whatever the reason, her voice fits perfectly with the music here. Something which will no doubt come as a relief to long-time followers of the band. While still on the topic of line-ups, it should be further noted that the album line-up differs slightly from the current band line-up, with two guitarists (Chris Masimore and Stoney Wagner) having contributed to the album recording before handing over the reins.

Balance of Power steps out from the shadows with opening number, “Last Man Down“, a defiant power anthem from a band which is surely looking to re-establish their profile, and pay acknowledgment to their long absence with the opening lines: “This is not the ending I was looking for // Unintended static cuts the air“. A “no-nonsense” affair with an edgy, hard rock groove serving as its backbone, in many ways it is the ideal way to kick off the album. It later culminates in a frenzy of guitar and keyboard solos, adding a distinctly progressive flavour to the traditional mix.

As if related, “Never Be Here Again” is the next track, and again ties into the band’s history somewhat by drawing our attention to the speed of time (and perhaps even showcasing a pining for lost time): “Suddenly it comes to me like a thunder in the night // We can never be here again, never be here again“. Indeed, the progression of time appears to be a constant theme on the album. “One More Time Around the Sun” is another such example. As Tony states, this track is all about “wanting to spend another year and then another and another with the person you love”.

It’s certainly heavy, and we’re not just referring to the music. It would appear that Balance of Power are not ones to shy away from dealing with the big topics. Another case in point is “Monster“, which focuses on grappling one’s inner demons. But it’s all wrapped up and presented in such a way that such depressive themes do not become too overwhelming to the senses. In fact, somewhat contradictorily, I caught myself grinning for much of my time with the album – so joyous was the experience. Particularly with more energising numbers, such as “Deadlands” and “Abyss“, which are both punctuated by a quicker tempo, and have some particularly sweet guitar solos. Rounding out the overall package is “Velocity“, which eschews the band’s typically classic approach for a more modern-sounding aesthetic, and “Rage of Ages“, with its slower rock n’ roll rhythm and big vocals. It’s an album that will no doubt be appreciated by fans of classic metal or hard rock. And regardless of whether or not this statement applies to you, there is no denying the incredible feat Balance of Power have pulled off with “Fresh From The Abyss” after being out of the game for so long. Not only does it serve the purpose of re-introducing the band to the world, albeit in a different guise than before, but it also makes a strong case for their reappearance and sets a solid footing for more to come. Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait nearly as long next time.

Verdict: A miraculous revival and rebranding for a band that has just emerged from a long hiatus. It matters little if you are already a fan of Balance of Power or hearing them for the first time, “Fresh From The Abyss” is the start of a new journey, and anyone who listens to traditional heavy metal will definitely want to tag along for the ride.