Balance of Power
Brighton, United Kingdom9 reviews across 4 releases
Balance of Power is a British progressive power-metal band formed in Brighton in 1995. Its early music drew on the melodic side of 1980s hard rock while using progressive arrangements, high-register vocals and keyboards over a firm metal foundation. The 1998 release Book of Secrets used a linked concept based on Michael Drosnin's book The Bible Code, with overtly Christian lyrics and polished, forceful production. By Ten More Tales of Grand Illusion, the guitars had become heavier after the keyboard player left, though guest keyboardists retained the layered sound. Reviews placed the band alongside Yes and compared them with Dream Theater. Perfect Balance added catchier choruses and a more restrained tempo, making the melodic hooks more prominent without abandoning the progressive-metal framework.
In 2003, Lance King left the band, and John K took over for Heathen Machine, which shifted toward heavier progressive metal and reduced the pop hooks heard on Perfect Balance. John K departed in 2005, and the group went on hiatus in 2007. Tony Ritchie and Lionel Hicks later revived Balance of Power, returning in 2024 with singer Hazel Jade and guitarists Chris Young and Adam Wardle. The new lineup issued Fresh From the Abyss through Massacre Records, the label that had handled the band's earlier 2000s releases. Ritchie remained the principal songwriter, while Hicks continued as drummer and producer. Balance of Power is active again after the long interval following the John K period.
4 releases reviewed
Book of Secrets
Ten More Tales...
Perfect Balance
Heathen Machine