What's so special about Amalgama? Technically, not much. They deliver simplistic rhythms and melodious leads typical of other better known genre outfits, with to-the-point songwriting and a penchant for tasty hooks. The difference here, however, is in the execution. There's this whimsical lightheartedness at play here, making the admittedly familiar proceedings much more interesting. Sure, as a result the album never really rivals the intensity or power of a Helloween record, but it keeps the energy level up enough as not to fall into dumb frills, either. The vocals should receive some attention, too; they keep the songs afloat with high register melody, stunningly clean while bearing a harsher edge during the more over the top segments. You almost forget they're in Russian until that one English chorus every Russian band seems inclined to have on its album ("Kings of Sky," ironically the best song on here and a stunningly catchy and energetic number in its own right).
I can't say I liked everything, however. The slower balladic moments on this disc don't work nearly as much as when the band's really rockin' out. Track four is good evidence of that, reminding me of an uninspired and cheesy Scorpions imitation more than anything else. Also, the contents tend to feel a bit bare, especially when considering that few sub-40 minute power metal albums have left much of an impact beyond their heyday in the 80s. In the end, Amalgama does create a fun and convincing enough record to give a spin or two when you're tired of your overbearing, fantasy-drenched "epic" metal tomes.
Overall: 7.5/10 (Good)
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