The Last Full Measure

It's unfair to carry on labelling this band as a Sabaton clone, though the comparison was inevitable. I mean, the band is made up of 80% ex-Sabaton members after all. But no more! With their second release, fellow Swedes Civil War are definitely carving their own path into the power metal scene. That's not to say this isn't for fans of Joakim and co. - the similarities are blatant. But both the quirky and grandiose combine to make "The Last Full Measure" both a solid power metal output, and a lesson in military history that may actually pip Sabaton in quality.

Since their last album, 2015's splendid "Gods & Generals", Civil War have lost a guitarist. That was definitely the correct decision. Does any band really need 3 guitarists?! No, not even you Iron Maiden - you just don't. Ironically, this new album is noticeably heavier than the previous one! The tone is chunkier and the bass is allowed more room to rumble thanks to the absence of a pointless 6-string layer. Take a listen to the verses of "Savannah" for the heaviest chug in this bands' catalogue. The production is laden with bombast thanks to Daniel Myrh's trademark keyboard sound; a truly hammering snare drum; and some spectacular choral harmonies provided by the 'killer angels choir'.

There's a bigger ratio of speedy songs on this album when compared to previous releases. Opener Road To Victory" gallops out of the starting gate with fury and nobility in equal measure. It's one of those rare songs where the pre-chorus is better than the chorus! ("Rise! Rise! Children of Utopiaaaaa!") Other up-tempo power metal hymns like "Deliverance" or the frantic "Gladiator" are equally as fiery - the latter being a welcome change of pace in the album's slower second half. Special mention must go to the wacky "Tombstone"; managing to fuse a cowboy's jig with a raging chorus.

The immortal Nils Patrick-Johansson is the epitome of inimitable. Literally no one sounds like him. His voice may not always be spot-on in tune, but it's packed with so much raw power and unkempt attitude, it's irresistible. "The Last Full Measure" is his most emotive performance yet (and yes, I'm even counting Astral Doors). Just hear him virtually scream the chorus of "Gladiator", or utterly hammer through "Gangs of New York". Nils means business this time round.

The highlights on this album are well worth the price of the CD alone. But the bonus track "Strike Hard, Strike Sure", with its beautiful synth sound and zooming tempo, should convince you to get the special edition. Either way, you'll end up with two of the best power metal tracks of this year: track 3 - "Savannah", and track 6 - "A Tale That Never Should Be Told". The latter is a Sabaton-esque march (fuck!!) with irresistible synths and folk melodies straight from the heart of Tennessee. But the Swedes have really nailed it with the former! Swift vocal patterns; epic harmonies; seriously beefy chugging in the verses; and a chorus to DIE for! "Savannah" really is a must-download for those of you who don't want the whole affair.

Some of the tracks phone in the quality a little. The second bonus track "Aftermath" is total fodder that leaves your ear as soon as it enters. A shame, considering the band proved their ballad-writing credentials on "Gods & Generals". "America" is also a drop in quality after the winning streak of the first 4 songs. Despite some lyrical irony regarding current affairs ("say a prayer for America!), it lacks a dose of energy. But in general, any power metal fan should be happy with Civil War's output this year. This quintet is injecting the power into power metal, one gruff vocal line, catchy keyboard melody and epic chorus at a time.

"Savannah here we come!
This is the final march.
The star-spangled banner waving over us tonight.
Savannah, soon it's done.
You must surrender!
There is no glory in defeat, but hell is far away."