PULSAR

"Civilization" — the debut album from Belarusian power metallers PULSAR — essentially consists of two parts: English and russian. The band plays melodic power metal with extensive use of keyboards: speedy verses give way to slower passages, which in turn transition into easily memorable solos (tracks "Civilization" and "Fire and Ice"). The russian-language section traces its lineage back to the band's 2003 mini-album "Sun of the Immortals." Four songs and an acoustic instrumental, all leaning more toward a heavy metal aesthetic. Among domestic acts, EPIDEMIA would be the closest comparison in terms of sound. The album cover deserves special mention — it could easily be mistaken for a MANOWAR sleeve. Everything becomes clear when you notice the signature of Leo Hao, the renowned fantasy book illustrator (Oldie, Tolkien, and others) as well as heavy and power metal album artist. Overall, the album leaves a decent impression, with one problem — all of this has been done dozens of times before. For now, the band has become yet another entry in the endless list of power metal acts copying one another.