Label: AFM Records

Genre: Melodic Power Metal

Release Date EU: January 20th, 2017

Links: http://www.burning-point.com/

Line Up:

Nitte Valo / Vocals
Pete Ahonen / Guitars
Pekka Kolivuori / Guitars
Sammy Nyman / Bass
Jarkko Väisänen / Keyboards
Jussi Ontero / Drums

Tracklist:

Master Them All
The Time Has Come
Incarnation
My Spirit
The Lie
Dark Winged Angel
Chaos Rising
Lost In Your Thoughts
Things That Drag Me Down
The King Is Dead, Long Live The King
Metal Queen (bonus track; Lee Aaron cover)

Why am I so much reminded of Zed Yago when I listen to Burning Point’s newest album. In one or another way it’s singer Nitte Vallo (ex-Battle Beast) that actually sounds quite similar to Jutta Weinhold from the German metalists from the late 80’s.

Of course, “The Blaze” is not a new “From Over Yonder”, but it features melodic metal that could be interesting for fans of Zed Yago.

“Master Them All” is a good but more average opener that is followed by the dramatic “Time Has Come”. The latter powers very well before “Incarnation” stands for the first highlight. It’s a catchy rocker with a melodic riff, well done vocals and some nice hooks.

Another tune that’s pretty cool is the slow “The Lie” that bings back melodic metal a la Dokken and it’s again the phrasing of Vallo that partly brings Zed Yago to my mind. But there is also some of the earlier Lee Aaron included, not only due to the brilliant cover of “Metal Queen” that rounds off this release. Burning Point has the capability to write well-crafted songs that are anchored on a good balance of heaviness and catchiness without drowning in cliches. Just listen to the bombastic “Things That Drag Me Down” and you know what I mean..

Burning Point is a record that fans of melodic metal shouldn’t miss. There is a lot if good stuff captured on this longplayer.

Reviewer: Markus Wiedenmann