A truly independent, home-grown release with big songs, production and musicianship that isn't that easy to find these days.

European Symphonic Rock acts dominate the scene, leaving poor old Blighty lagging far behind. However, that is about to change because the UK has a new band that has the songs, musicianship and drive to take on the Symphonic big-wigs at their own game; that band is Dead Of Night and their album is 'In Search Of Ancient Magic'. This is a release that is, to be honest, a breath of fresh air in this somewhat over-crowded genre. The reason for this is whilst the songs encompass all the attributes associated with Symphonic Metal, we also find a band who have managed to maintain a very British feel and sound to their music. In addition, having a singer like Briony Featon in your ranks doesn't hurt either; her voice, with its crisp, bright and heartfelt emotions, give the songs a charm and old world feel that suits the eleven tracks perfectly.

The album begins with probably its most energetic and forceful track entitled 'One Night Holy'. This offering is full of multi-layered keyboards, care of the band's resident musical wizard (sorry) Carl Eden, whose contribution to the sound and musicality of Dead Of Night cannot be underestimated; it's a song that bodes well for what's to come. The title track itself is a real band effort, with Dan Roberts (guitars), Jason Peacock (bass) and Isabel Eden (keyboards) joining Eden and Featon to splendid effect.

The first of my album favourites is 'I Will Go Down To The Sea'. It's catchy and full of punch with a keyboard/guitar and vocal attack that any of the so-called Euro giants would love to have written – it also Rocks. Another favourite I'd highlight is the beautifully performed ballad 'Hiraeth', a song which shows a mellower side to the band with Featon's vocals so full of emotion that you know she's living the song. Other tracks to look out for include 'If I Would Be King', 'Across The East Riding' and the splendid 'The Other Side Of The Rain' – all killer songs.

This is a truly independent, home-grown release with big songs, production and musicianship that isn't that easy to find these days, but it's here in the guise of 'In Search Of Ancient Magic'. If you like melody married with power, emotion joined with passion, then you have to get a copy of this superb album.

Ian Johnson