Beast – Ancient Power Rising (Review)

Beast are a relatively new and fresh band straight out of Osnabrück. Looking at the cover you might guess that this is a more traditionally sounding record. And you’re damn right. So all you trve schoolers rejoice and dust off your sweaty and beer soaken battle vests, because Ancient Power Rising might be one of this year’s biggest late surprises.

While being fairly unoriginal in their general soundscape construction, Beast have a huge plus going on for them. And that is a knack for dynamic and fun songwriting. The songs themselves are littered with catchy as hell vocal and guitar melodies. While wearing their teutonic and british influences on their sleeves, one cannot help but appreciate the enthusiam with which these earworms such as the energetic and speedy opener “Behead The Dragon,” the instant hit “Shadows From The Arcane Tower” or the anthemic title track are presented. You’ll be having a hard time not getting these choruses injected into your brain during the second time you’re listening to them latest. And that’s a huge compliment because while there has been a little traditional heavy metal revival with bands such as Visigoth, Eternal Champion or Night Demon gaining popularity, Germany still has a void to fill next to the incredible The Night Eternal. While Ancient Power Rising may not reach the constant level of quality presented by these acts yet, due to the a little too ambitious closer “Mystery Of The Lonesome Rider” and some minor shaky vocal moments during the quieter sections of some songs, the potential shown here to do so is massive! Technically the dual guitar work offers great harmonies out of the Maiden and Priest playbook (“Shadows Of The Arcane Tower” delivers the goods), the steady and constant rhythm section is solid and the vocals, although I mentioned some uneven moments here and there, are very charismatic and convincing. And ultimately this is what makes these mentioned critical points more a hint for improvement than a crucial dealbreaker when it comes to the enjoyment of this debut. Although not everything is perfect on their debut outing, Beast simply make up for it with tons of conviction, fun riffing (see the galopping “Ride The Tempest”), gripping melodies and character. The a little too clean but serving production also plays to the band’s strengths quite well which is quite remarkable.

In total, Ancient Powers Rising is a fresh and captivating listen that sees Beast putting themselves on the map of traditional Heavy Metal made in Germany. If the band manages to keep the positive momentum their debut provides and improves some aspects of their sound a little further, chances are their popularity will rise even faster than these ancient powers.