Germany has just unleashed the next Masterpiece in the Melodic Power Metal genre! Orden Ogan may be a fresh face to many of you but are no strangers to the music world. Back in 2004 the band released "Testimonium A.D" which recieved rave reviews throughout Germany. Now its 2008, and Orden Ogan are back, and ready to launch there own brand of Melodic Power Metal that is absolutely killer! Right away you will hear an absolutely bone crushing perfect production that will have your stereo systems rocking your world. The guitar tones are heavy and crunchy, the the bass and drums are tight and supply a heavy-punchy but clear bottom end, and the vocals are great as well. I would have to say that "Vale" is light years better than the debut, and the songwriting was brought up to the highest level you could expect. "Vale" starts off with a minute plus beautiful symphonic intro called "Graves bay" which is laced with some great layered background vocals, that sets the mood for the lead off riffing "The new shores of sadness" which is filled with various tempos, and riffage galore. The vocal melodies are just perfectly placed, and will be inbedded in your head like glue after a few listens. "Winds of vale" is one of just many midtempo power metal rockers, that just slays! The band seems to blend many of my favorite bands in this genre like "Twilightning", "Thunderstone", "Excalion", "Angra", "Dream Evil", and so on together. This album contains 14 tracks that is just an onslaught of killer riffs, and killer vocal melodies. I can't say what my favorites are because the entire disc is my favorite as a whole. It is that good! Also found on "Vale" are some great symphonic moments, but they are never overly excessive letting the heavy guitars and pounding drums lay the main foundation for the musical journey you are riding on.

There really is not much left to say other than that Orden Ogan has come back to reveal a brand of Melodic Power Metal that will grab you right from the get go, and not let up until the albums conclusion. If you are a fan of this genre of music, I can almost guarantee you will love it. I can't seem to find a single flaw at all! Track down a copy, and let Orden Ogan leave you as impressed as they have left me. The musicianship is top notch. These guys should be right up there with all the other big names that fans go wild over. "Vale" is one word alright, and that is "BRILLIANT".

Reviewed by The Metal Madman

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