(Progressive Power Metal) Radakka - Malice And Tranquility - 1995, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This the debut for the understated 'Radakka' sees them take a progressive Metal approach, rather than the more straightforward Metal of the following album 'Requiem for the Innocent'. The sound is not too dissimilar from 'Mindcrime' era 'Queensrÿche', in fact, lead vocalist 'Jon Dobbs' sounds very similar to 'Jeff Tate' which further enhances this feel, there are however plenty of other influences and the music sounds fresh and pretty unique. The song writing is consistently impressive, as is the instrumentation, round this off with a cracking production and you have a very memorable release.

After a subtle yet unusual intro 'Masquerade' picks up into a borderline Power Metal rocker, which is balanced by melodic passages, the brisker sections are driven by a splendid rhythm and graced by 'Jon Dobb's' crisp and powerful vocals. More refined is the harmonious, mid tempo 'Thinking of You' which is suggestive of both 'Lillian Axe' and 'Dokken' and while subtle still retains a certain crunch, which is supported by superb backing vocals on the exquisite chorus. 'Queensrÿche's' 'Operation Mindcrime' is brought to mind with the haunting melodic gem 'Sacrifice', the mystical intro leads into more beautiful instrumentation, that while harmonious supports darker undercurrents- Stunning. Back into 'Dokken' territory is the impressively penned 'I'll Walk Alone', after genteel beginnings picks up into a pulsating rocker fuelled by a choice riff, more sharp vocals and sweet guitar work reminiscent of 'George Lynch'. The tempo is lifted further for the dark grooving 'Saint's Addiction', a more modern sounding cut, which sports aggressive vocals, a catchy well executed chorus and elegant guitar licks. After a 'Queensrÿche' style intro, 'Solitude' gathers into a lively rocker which is balanced with more subtle passages, 'Jon Dobbs' sounds just like 'Geoff Tate' on this track but the more uptempo sections have a certain 'Maidenesque' feel about them. 'Rainy Daze' has a definite progressive feel, complete with plenty of sharp instrumental work, while the sounds effects are superb and shrewdly used which helps make this another splendid track. Firmly into 'Queensrÿche' territory is the hard rocking 'End of the Line' a crunchy rocker which incorporates poignant broadcast interludes to a backdrop of lively pulsating guitar driven Metal. 'Out of the Dark' is reminiscent of 'Lillian Axe' with it's refined flowing mid tempo rhythm, choice guitar licks and melodic vocals, but 'Radakka' still make this their own with menacing voiceovers and darker undertones. A more modern approach is evident on the well penned 'Beautiful Thing', personally I'm not too keen on the rawer sections, but the melodic passages are pure class and make the song for me. Lastly we are gifted the beautiful ballad 'In these Chains' which rides on a sweet melody and harks back to the 80's with the 'Dokken' style harmonised vocals.

I could have given this an even higher rating, as there's a plethora of quality material throughout, but for me it just lacks a couple of really memorable tracks. This is only a minor quirk however, as 'Malice and Tranquility' is a stunning debut that any fan of the groups mentioned above and those who appreciate the more progressive side of Metal should checkout.

John Dobbs Vocals, Guitars
Michael Posch Guitars
Randy Jostes Bass
Dean Maltese Drums