Great title and artwork…so does the music live up to the packaging on their 11th album? For long time fans of the band, yes, and no for myself. “Scary Creatures” is Brainstorm doing what they do, playing pure untainted heavy metal, with an influence at times from the European Power Metal style (see first single/video track ‘The World To See’, ‘Twisted Ways’). But, if you listen to their catalogue, the majority of Brainstorm’s music is based in the aggressive driving rhythms and influences from an Iced Earth (‘Where Angels Dream’, ‘Scars In Your Eyes’). They are also Likened to fellow countrymen Mystic Prophecy, with a mix of speed and thrash metal like Metal Church. Second track in, ‘How Much Can You Take’, is indicative of how they often combine the slower heavy rhythm with a melodic chorus. Some accenting keys back the title track, with some fitting orchestrations pre solo. ‘We Are’, ‘Take Me To The Never’ (with its very melodic change in the bridge) are mid tempo, as with ‘Sky Among The Clouds’ are more melodic with radio potential.

Overall, its solid for Brainstorm, but not breaking any ground which is why I gave it a 7.5. These guys have a lot of potential given how they mix heavy and aggressiveness with melody so I’d like to hear something different. Like the elements they added on “Memorial Roots”, maybe even one or two epic songs. I can almost hear these guys recording an album like Iron Maiden did with “Powerslave”. The albums “Ambiguity”, “Soul Temptation” (songs ‘Highs Without Lows’, ‘Doorway To Survive’, ‘The Leading’), and “Liquid Monster” comes highly recommended.

Bonus DVD is pro shot from their 2014 “Firesoul” tour. Good stuff and worth it.