The story of Casus Belli begins in 1997 when Greek singer Panos Dedes was beaten by a hair’s breadth at the auditions in London by no one less than Tim Owens. The job in question of course being the replacement of Rob Halford in Judas Priest. Disappointed he swore he would have his revenge and show the metal world what he was capable of and formed Casus Belli.

“In The Name Of Rose” is the second full length of this Greek quartet and I must say it is a very convincing album. Panos Dedes’ vocals are excellent and definitely would have fit Judas Priest, although I personally still prefer Tim Owens. Nevertheless, Panos definitely puts a mark on Casus Belli with his emotion laden vocals.

The songs remind of eighties melodic heavy metal (think of a combination of Queensr˙che, Metal Church and Judas Priest) with a good dose of variation; from melodic mid tempo bangers like “Initiation (Promised Land)” to fast shredders like “Isolation” which strongly reminds of Judas Priest.

Casus Belli have succeeded in creating an album that stands out from the masses. The production is pretty old school and might not be suitable for all listeners but if you dig old school melodic heavy metal then Casus Belli will be to your liking. Excellent riffs, good melodies and powerful vocals. That pretty much sums it up.