Privateer - The Traitors

Published March 24 2009

*=Staff's pick	Intro A Flaming Bath* Beholder Children Of The Dog Star* Night Escape Part Of Me Closure The Traitors* Dark Father Monolith*

Genre	Power Metal	Szymon Kostro	Vocals
Tracks	10	Tomasz Bator	Guitar
Runningtime	43 Min.	-	Guitar
Label	STF Records	Andrzej Pichlinski	Bass
Release	14 August 2006	Jan "Xen" Gabrys	Drums
Country	Poland	Slawomirk Kramarski	Keyboard
Similar artists	Celesty, Kaledon, Mob Rules

Poland is quickly ascending the speed scale of recognition, earning the reputation of becoming a notable Metal Nation. They have ascertained the essence of mettle, and are steadily rivaling the talent of Sweden, Norway, Italy, and Germany.

Many aggressive acts like the melodic Monstrum, the lasting axe lords and female fronted - Crystal Viper, or the hellish Witchking are proving this point. Hungary has also become another homestead for the heavy with Stainless Steel and Demonlord exemplifying the tradition. Privateer are a pure Power Metal Polish monograph of betrayal, worth of your attention.

This CD is their only full-length. They have undergone several line-up changes since this was released. They are currently promoting their new single - Origami - with new vocalist: Marcin "Merot" Maliszewski. An English and Polish version of this paper cut, can be heard by visiting their My Space Page.

Even though, perchance they took their namesake from Running Wild, Privateer do not sound like these branded and exiled veterans; nor do they sing about the fervent years of piracy. Privateer remind me of the early releases by Kaledon, Mob Rules, Midnight Sun, or Celesty. Incidentally, I have always supported the work of Celesty, but their latest album - Vendetta - is a weak, non-cogent, non-cohesive effort.

The Traitors CD begin with the flamboyant - Flaming Bath - an irreverent, yet amusing anti-Catholic song. This sets the tone for a balance of melodic, and hyper fast hybrid depth. Children Of The Dog Star is a ragin' Power Metal anthem sure to satisfy all. Night Escape is a solid fugue of initiative, mirroring the music of France's Nightmare.

The metaphysical mystery for - Part Of Me - embraces Maiden's triumph with a hint of Vision Divine, especially in the keyboard orchestration. The Ayreon inspired - Closure - shadows the human condition of heartbreak, bereavement, and sorrow.

The duplicitous title track commences with a shrill cry, recalling the classic sound of Europe's - Screams of Anger. Monolith reminds me of classic Nuclear Blast era Stratovarius, or even the Revolution Renaissance debut - New Era; but, certainly not their new CD - Age Of Aquarius - which misses the mark entirely.

For a debut, this is a noble attempt. Part of me aims to give a higher rating; sadly, there are not enough fast songs to merit this. I don't mind keyboards, but a times they are over used, like in recent Virgin Steel laudations. There is no real closure to the album, ending with two songs derived from their 2005 demo.

Next time, I want to behold a more aggressive, flaming batch of burning ambition, and intense song writing, and not so much dark fodder, which tends to sully a quality attempt.

Performance	Originality	Production	Vocals	Songwriting
7	7	7	7	7,5

Summary
7 chalices of 10 - Michael the MettleAngel