Power metal from Norway? Yes, that’s right; Gaia Epicus was founded by Thomas Hansen in Norway. The style of the band has evolved over the years from punk to power metal and the name of the band has changed several times too. Nevertheless, in 2001 the band became Gaia Epicus and they released their first promo album “Cyber Future”. It took another demo and several more years till the band finally got a record deal, and were ready to release their debut album “Satrap”; a piece of symphonic speed metal.

Well, what can I say? Gaia Epicus certainly has potential but the music fails to really interest me. The up-tempo power metal is intricated with loads of technical interludes but it is all very predictable. The opener, “Keepers Of Time”, reminds strongly of Helloween but that is to be expected with a title like that. Unfortunately, the rest of the album sounds like I’ve heard it before too. Sure, the band is technically very good, but it is far from original.

“Fire & Ice” could have been part of Thunderstone’s self titled debut album and “Heaven’s Gate” wouldn’t have looked too bad as a Stratovarius song.

My biggest problems with “Satrap” are the chaotic production and the below par vocals of singer Hansen (no not the legendary Kai Hansen). Although this album has been mixed by no one less than Mika Jussila in the Finnvox studios, I think it is the sound that brings this album down. The guitar riffs sound too weak, the keyboards too soft and the drums are pushed in the background. Furthermore, the vocals are terribly weak. Hansen’s flaws show specifically during very high and melodic passages; he simply doesn’t have the reach, nor the power.

“Satrap” is a promising debut album, but for Gaia Epicus to succeed they will have to evolve their style a whole lot. As it stands now, Gaia Epicus is more of a project that could use some new members to bring new blood.