Twenty years ago, Domain released their first songs. Domain, the life-work of guitar player Alex �Iron Finger� Ritt, was then called Kingdom. The first Domain album (Our Kingdom) dates back to 1987. So, almost 20 years after this album, Mr. Ritt and friends release their latest album Stardown. As almost all previously released albums, the music is best described as symphonic, melodic metal with lots of great guitar solos. The production is amazing and to be honest, I really like this album. An absolute plus are the vocals of singer Carsten Lizerd Schultz; what a power this man has, amazing!.

The first song �All in the Name of Fire� is a song that wouldn`t be out of place on an album of the guitar virtuoso Malmsteen; he would definitely have been proud of this song. Great vocals, great melody and especially great solos.

This song blows out of your speakers and there is a lot more to come! Power rock songs, bluesy songs, up-tempo songs, and so on. Even the Chris the Burgh cover �Don`t pay the Ferryman� is performed well. The title song �Stardawn� (9:24 min.) and the song �Shadow hall� (25:18 min.) are both well worth listening to. Both songs have a great structure and the heavy, melodic and symphonic parts interchange. The music ranges from fast to slow and even to acoustic. You really have to listen to these songs; this record is definitely your money`s worth.

With Shadow hall, Domain has given themselves a masterpiece for their 20th birthday and all the fans of symphonic melodic metal are invited to this party. Congratulations!