Fans of Power/Progressive Metal and thrashers should love this crunchy combination of the two styles. This is Heavy Metal, played like it should be: powerful and with all-out energy. "Puppet of Beauty" is a very interesting conversational conflict between wisdom and the "puppet of beauty," borrowing heavily from Proverbs, simulating the conflicting thoughts someone tempted by adultery/fornication. Sometimes the chugga-chug slows down too much here and sounds a bit flat. Tom Denlinger's vocals dominate the mix, which requires stylish expression--which he delivers. This strength sometimes becomes the band's weakness when Tom doesn't apply the same stylish embellishments and accents to his voice. In tunes like "Heavenly Throne" he sounds like a cross between Dave Mustaine and a young Ronnie Dio. "Corridor to Light" is an 8-minute, 12-second epic about passing from death to the throne of God--played to the feel of a Sacred Warrior/Queensryche tune. "Short But Suite: Opus in D Flat" is a real funny name for a 1:08 bass solo. "Ft. Drum" is another instrumental with the full band rockin' out. Written in '87, the lead and rhythm lines show its date. While having the sonics of a major release, there is much room for improvement as far as peak separation between mids and the low end. "Holy Avenger" really makes a go at the Haven, heavy Queensryche school of songwriting, especially with Tom's multi-punctuated vocals. "Call Upon the Master" is a cool-sounding commercial number with a loud, yet accessible, sound. The playing of guitarist and song composer Rod Feltman is exceptional here. The album closer, "Voice of the Prodigal," is the most aggressive of the bunch, with a quick pace and Mike Lee-ish angry vocals that stretch into Sim Wilson (Undercover) vibrato style in the slow parts. It's a very cool effect. The best song on the album. Much of the music swells with heavy guitars, while other parts sink to flatness, keeping the music confined to Power Metal mongers and out of the league of commercially-successful power units like Iron Maiden. But the band can't be accused of being poor performers or songwriters, though. Sardonyx debuts with a good album with a few peeks at future growth. Some of these tunes sound great loud--and would be mesmerizing live.