More info: www.prey-nation.com, http://www.gmrmusic.se.
Verdict: Nostalgic melodic heavy metal
Prey are a new name to me but they have been in existence since the late 90's. The band consists of THOMAS NYSTROEM (Guitars), PETER BAECKE(Bass), FREDRIK PLAHN(Keyboards) and PATRICK JOHANSSON (Drums). The band recorded their debut album, "The Hunter", for Mausoleum Records in 2005. In 2008 they then signed to the GMR Music Group and created this album in their own studio, also mixing and producing it themselves.
Listening to this album takes me back as I haven't listened to this type of melodic heavy metal for ages. It harks back to the heyday of this type of hard rock music during the 80's. In fact, it isn't true to say these guys are pure melodic heavy metal as on a few tracks power metal is also added to the mix. However, the band keep the tracks short and melodic which usually is a plus for me, but curiously I found myself wanting the guys to add some 'rock out' instrumental sections to give some of the tracks an extra dimension.
The opening title track is a good blast of melodic heavy metal. Likewise the following track, "Deliver The Goods". On "Playing With Fire" the band up the pace and they sound like a mixture of Accept & Stratovarius. What seems like a more aggressive start to "Bloodred Sky" mellows into something more melodic reminding me a little of P:O:B. Ten were one the purveyors of melodic hard rock during the 90's and they crop up as point of reference for "Get Out". Initially "Into The Fire" conjures up sounds similar to Dream Theater forged with Eloy but settles down to the same hard rock vibe of previous tracks. The band romp their way through the power metal of "In Memoriam" towing through "Addicted" and "Run" in it’s wake before embarking on more Stratovarius style power metal on "Personal Fantasy" to close the album.
I'm a sucker for this type of 80's melodic metal and it is easy for me to enjoy listening to this album.
