The magic of the eighties might just be about to sprinkle stardust once again on these all-deserving saviours of Melodic Rock.

Dynazty have come a long way in the ten years since their formation. Vocalist Nils Molin is now an official member of rising global superstars Amaranthe which has given both his and Dynazty's profile a huge boost, and deservedly so as they are one of the rising forces in Swedish Melodic Rock at the moment.

The most striking aspect of this new album is the electronic loops and synths that have been pushed more to the foreground. Listen intently to previous album 'Titanic Mass' and you can hear them clearly buried in the mix. However, what hasn't changed is Dynazty's ear for a good tune. The strong melodies, memorable choruses and inspired guitar solos are still there in spades. H.e.a.t divided opinion amongst fans with their modern take on the tried and trusted Melodic Rock formula, and Dynazty have seemingly done the same with their dare to be different approach. Like H.e.a.t, Dynazty have youth on their side and tipping their hat to the likes of Amaranthe has to be seen as a good thing if new, younger fans are to be engaged amongst the Melodic Rock community.

After dipping their toes into the Symphonic elements of the Metal genre, Dynazty have committed themselves far more this time, none more so than on the epic 'Ascension'; there are shades of Nightwish amongst the folky and orchestral elements as some truly great song-writing lends itself to making this a potential future classic. Similarly, 'Closing Doors' (the closest they come to a power ballad on this album) is simply an awesome display of Scandinavian melancholia, whilst the majestic sounding 'The Light Inside The Tunnel' has shades of 'Sacred Heart'-era Dio and modern-day Magnum.

'In The Arms Of A Devil' shows hints of Gary Moore, whereas 'Firesign', 'Let Me Dream Forever' and the first single 'Breathe With Me' reference Amaranthe with their huge melodies and synths. The heavy, rhythmic 'Starfall' retains the Power Metal elements that Dynazty really brought to the table last time around, but which they've largely espoused on this record, and their second single, 'The Grey', with its ABBA-esque feel has an enormous melodic majesty attached to it that leaves a huge grin.

With the quality of their song-writing and musicianship, Dynazty would have been huge thirty years ago. As children of that era, the magic of the eighties might just be about to sprinkle stardust once again on these all-deserving saviours of Melodic Rock.

Carl Buxton