After about 10 years of struggling at a grassroots level, Intense have finally made their break onto the scene, and goddamn are they welcome to it. These days we are getting bombarded with fast Power Metal on one end and symphonic/neo-classical and whatnot on the other, and while I don't have anything against them by any means, it's sweet of Intense to keep things cool and remind us that traditional Heavy Metal is still alive and exciting with their debut.

The album starts with an intro that sets the musical tone for the whole album, a snapshot of what comprises the following songs - a melodic piano/synth passage backed partway through by chugging power chords and energetic drums. Though once the album begins properly, the keyboards are much more low-key - this is very much a guitar and vocal-driven album (though there is a cool bit of bass work in the intro to Seeds Of Betrayal). With regards to the vocals, we have a singer here who harks back to the classic singers of the 70s and 80s. Remember guys like Ronnie James Dio and David Coverdale, who never screamed in their life and instead drove their songs with a charismatic voice? Sean Hetherington works on pretty much the same principle, though the timbre of his voice might not be to everyone's liking.

The tempo varies across the range from slow, medium and fast songs but never quite dips into 'shredding'- bar the solo to "War Of Angels". There are, however, plenty of fast Speed Metal riffs to be found. Indeed, the album ranges in mood as much it is does with speed, with power ballads rubbing shoulders with faster, more aggressive songs and more conventional rockers. Catchy anthemic choruses also make their mark, the most distinct undoubtably being "War Of Angels" again, helping pick the album up from a somewhat slow start. This song is easily one of the standout tracks on the album, if not THE standout, and will be a staple on the live setlists for years to come I am sure.

Considering this, it's good to see that the album has emerged from Thin Ice Studios - seemingly a hotbed for recording bands these days - with the band sounding distinct from others who have shared space. I personally love the sound of albums recorded there, and the strength of the clear, crisp sound is definately marked in songs such as "Seeds Of Betrayal" and "Skull Of Sidon" when compared to their demo versions. I remember them being quite drum-heavy, and it's good to hear everything more evenly mixed now. Even though the apparent abscence of keyboards, hidden at the bottom of the mix, might raise some eyebrows, it keeps them subtle and stops Second Sight from sounding like a typical Euro-Metal album.

It is indeed great to hear some new, Traditional Heavy Metal. Second Sight has all the hallmarks of a traditional album, and has the range of subtle variation that I have found makes Heavy Metal shine - the changes in pace, mood and 'heaviness' that are allowed while still retaining the energy. There is no wild jumping between speeds and sounds though, the album maintains a definite uniform feel. This can make all the songs blend into one to the uninitated listener, with only the odd acoustic intro marking passages between songs. Each song is definately distinct enough in it's own way, whether it be a particularly memorable chorus, a shredding riff, a distinct intro or whatever. As a debut, it shows a lot of potential for a band to shine and build on this template. I for one eagerly await a follow-up to this fine album!

Standout Tracks:  War Of Angels, Seeds Of Betrayal, Inside Torment.

Overall Score:   7 /10