Label(s):

Rock Of Angels Records

Released Year:

2024

Type:

Full-length

Tracklist:

1. The Earth Song2. Face the Fight3. Warriors of the Light4. Dance of the Dead5. Scanner's Law6. A New Horizon7. Farewell to the Sun8. Space Battalion9. The Last and First in Line

Having the chance to visit again the SCANNER catalogue – through my reviews on the recent reissues – I found myself wondering where is the band right now. Their come-back album, “The judgement“, back in 2015 was a solid return, a statement, that SCANNER still roam the galaxies. Ηowever it has been eight years since then. Therefore, I was thrilled to know that the band has a new album and it will be out, early 2024.

“The Cosmic Race“, as it is entitled, marks another chapter in the band’s long and interesting history. But how SCANNER sound thirty five years after their debut?

Well, “The Earth Song” kicks off with an double shrieking lead theme, and when Efthimios Ioannidis starts singing, I am pretty sure that nothing has changed. Good old SCANNER are back in their kicking-ass spaceship. Yes, in case you are looking for a solid, old-school power metal album, look no further, Santa Claus will use high tech alien technology to teleport you to another solid, flawless power metal CD.

As I said “The Cosmic Race” is a genuine 100% German power metal album. It has everything: melodic leads, harmonies, solid bass and drum, catchy sing-along songs with a touch of cheesiness (“Face the light“, “Scanner’s law“, “Space battalion“) without becoming ridiculous though. Everything is delivered in a light-hearted humorus way, as it was used in the 80’s German tradition, yet the band sounds heavier, meaner, faster and more decisive than ever.

Someone could spot, here and there, some influences in the vein of “Mental Reservation”/”Ball of the damned“, yet straight power metal is the album’s general
direction. Thimios’ vocals are flawless and effective with an impressive performance. Having seen them live, I should mention that Thimios is the perfect man for the position both as a singer and performer.

Also, I should mention that this is a concept album and the incredible artwork was made by Henar Sherif.

SCANNER are back with an impressive album, worthy of their long history and it is a must-buy.

Official Site: https://www.scanner4u.de/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scanner.Heavy.Metal.Band

Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.