Reviewed by Peter John Willoughby

Hero was formed in 2003 when Swedish vocalist and guitarist Michael Hero (Sons Of Thunder) teamed up with bass guitarist Bjorn Sundstrom. Later on they were joined by brothers Torbjorn (guitars) and Thomas (drums) Weinesjo, who were formerly in Veni Domine. They released 'Bless This Nation' in 2006 to universally bad reviews due to inconsistencies and poor vocals. Thankfully they took notice as 'Immortal' is far better. This time Michael Hero (vocals and guitar) and Bjorn Sundstrom (guitar) are joined by Mauritz Vetterud (bass and screams) and Dannie Boy (drums).The style is European power metal with melodic metal and gothic tinges. The change in sound seems to fit in better with Michael's baritone vocal delivery. I did wonder what to expect when they opened with a keyboard instrumental, but then the heavy riffing and double bass kicked in. One of the standout tracks is "Blood Red Roses" with "Like a thief or criminal/Was executed on that hill/Where the flowers grew as white as snow/Blood red roses/It means death, but are bringers of life/Blood red roses/They are all covered by blood/Blood red roses". Despite being power metal there are some growled vocals on "RIP" which is about demons. After the ballad "Imagine This" we are treated to some of the toughest riffs in "Gasoline". I have to admit that the lyrics to "Funeral Of Death" had me scratching my head as I was trying to figure out what they meant: "No grave, no crypt, no tomb/Where sorrows an empty room/I heard no widow weeping/To no sermon, no one sleeping/Ooh at the funeral of death". On "Rock The World" they seemed to have jumped back to the '80s stadium anthem, but seemed to pull it off. This album shows more depth and consistency, along with greatly improved musicianship and vocal delivery.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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