There are really no words to describe the magnitude and grandeur of this heavy/power/epic delivery. No matter how much I liked Arryan Path in the past, I still couldn't believe my… ears when "Terra Incognita" hit my CD player. I was really took by surprise and realized while spinning it that every trace of skepticism and all my "metallic" inhibitions were lost outright. Aloof thoughts like "what should I expect after 6 years of inactivity?" or "one more power metal release, what else is new?" were replaced by feelings of admiration, shock and adrenaline blasts. It's more than obvious to me that the passing of 6 years since their remarkable debut (a compilation of demo songs and some new at the time) didn't go down the drain. Arryan Path have tremendously evolved and gained a certain musical identity while their skills have skyrocketed.

Unlike the title suggests, there's no "Terra Incognita" (unknown land) as far as heavy/power metal is concerned, for Arryan Path. The variety of musical themes, rhythms, tempos and tunes is impressive. The opening "Cassiopeia" kicks off with a small epic intro and a doom-like guitar passage and ups the tempo steadily, climaxing with a compelling refrain. It's apparent from the start that the band, just like on most of the tracks here, has adopted some Greek folk and oriental themes and adjusted them perfectly to their personal style. The follow-up "Molon Lave" is the album's first highlight and one of the best power/epic songs of late. A galloping ode to Ancient Spartans' epic story, with one hell of a catchy refrain. Nicholas' interpretation sends chills down your spine, the dynamic riffage in concert with the driving battery beat the hell out of you and the keyboards enhance the heroic feeling. "Terra Incognita" sounds pretty "Greek" to my ears and maybe that's the reason I find it less interesting. "Open Season", "Ishtra", "The Blood Remains on the Believer" (with a refrain that refers directly to Symphony X) and "Elegy" follow the same energetic power metal direction and are succeeded by a power metal gem entitled "Angel With no Destination" that is bound to become a classic song for the genre. "Minas Tirith" that follows is a genuine masterpiece. The second highlight of the CD (in order of appearance only), the best song of "Terra Incognita" and one of the best epic songs ever written. A mid-tempo epic hymn of gigantic proportions.

There are really no drawbacks I can think of. The sound is perfect just like the musicianship and the performance of the band. Well maybe the front-cover doesn't say much, but who cares? After all the sure thing is that are Cypriot friends have offered us early in the year a perfect candidate for one of the best albums of 2010. Two thumbs up for Arryan Path and their promising and up-and-coming label, namely Pitch Black Records. It's criterion on choosing bands has been proven flawless so far. Hope it can keep it this way.