Power Metal from Stockholm in the Helloween Vein - it could even be a long lost album of theirs (which is meant as a pure compliment).

Some of the offerings here also have that 'spot which classical composer originally came up with this riff (which has been transferred to guitar) - but when the band can blast out as good as this - who the hell cares!!

I especially like the instrumental opener, 'Finlandia' (which starts very orchestral before moving into the classy high-pitched guitar style of Malmsteen. 'The Land of the Wintersun' incorporates that epic yet humorous Helloween feel to it, with it's singalong song-title chorus as well as guitar solos to die for, and then there's the springing up of the keyboards to take into account - it's like the mid 80's all over again, thank god!! Supreme. The next rather nice number is 'Heaven and Hell', which incorporates hints of Iron Maiden in the true pacing power horse styles of Gers, Smith and Murray and great slamming machine drums, and what about the rather splendid serenading from the keyboards).

'Beware of the Dragons' is again very Iron Maiden but features a guitar solo that reminds me of the one in 'Mr. Crowley' from Ozzy Osbourne's 'Blizzard of Oz' album. There's even a ballad thrown in, which is rather gorgeous, going by the title, 'Angels in the Sky', (that when played live will guarantee a lit-up hall of cigarette lighter flames). It contains a gloriously loving guitar solo - now this is how to really impress, which dare I say it reminds of Joey Tempest's bunch, commonly known as 'Europe'. Other songs like 'Heading for Tomorrow', 'Dangerous Mind', 'Seasons of Life' and 'Tears of the nature' simply come across as Helloween album tracks. But closer, 'Time of the Prophecies' well and truly makes up for this, with hints of 'Iron Maiden', 'Queensryche', and positive lyrics in between.

If you like high-pitched guitars and vocals, technically riveting drum-work and symphonic keyboards that made bands like Iron Maiden, Helloween and Queensryche Metal Legends, then you'll love this latest album from Stockholm's 'Insania'.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS