The German power metallers bearing the name Heavatar released their sophomore album about a week ago and rather appropriately named it "Opus II – The Annihilation". The name of the game is a bombastic variant of power metal with quite a few speed/thrash metal influences to it. Such diverse acts as Manowar, Metallica, Judas Priest, and Primal Fear come to mind, which is to say that what these headbanging fuckers are offering up are blistering solos, pounding drums, thick bass lines, lofty keyboards, and pummeling riffs. There is hardly a trace of originality or innovative thinking to "Opus II" whatsoever, but that is not to say that it does not have its moments…albeit only a few moments! While some songs such as "None Shall Sleep" and "Wake Up Now" are charming and catchy, others leave a lot to be desired and simply sound too clichéd and silly, namely "Into Doom", "The Awakening", and the utterly lame "Hijacked by Unicorns". I doubt that anyone is meant to take that seriously. Wouldn’t you agree? The title track, "The Annihilation", is another travesty that is borderline painful to listen to. The cover version of Manowar’s glorious "Metal Daze" is pretty decent, though, but the 14-minute orchestral album closer "The Look Inside" never really turns into the sweeping and majestic piece that it could have been.

The record lacks coherence and cohesion, which entails that it is easy to lose focus or interest in what is going on due to too many superfluous and rather insignificant filler tracks. The production is all there and so is the musicianship, but in the overall perspective the album is neither awesome nor entertaining, which is a shame. If epic and over-the-top power metal appeals to you then maybe "Opus II – The Annihilation" will get those fists of yours in the air, but do keep in mind that there are way better alternatives out there for you.

 

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