After Thunderstone, “Unseen” is the second power metal album from Nuclear Blast within four weeks time that actually manages to surprise me. While many power metal bands play straightforward, dull songs with little variation, Steel Prophet plays more traditional heavy metal with some power metal influences. One can only admit that Nuclear Blast seems to have a real talent for finding these bands. One remarkable thing however, the first song on this album, just like on the Thunderstone album, is a very straightforward power metal song. One can only wonder whether this is done on purpose or just coincidence?

Steel Prophet has been around since the late eighties, but to my embarrassment I must admit I had never heard of this band before, despite them having toured the famous Bay Area with top acts like Armored Saint and Fates Warning in the past. Steel Prophet is one of those bands that got a second chance with the coming of the power metal hype and if so, well, one can only be very grateful for that hype, because talented bands like Steel Prophet deserve a whole lot more than to fade into forgetfulness.

Songs like “Rainwalker” and “One Way Out” are simply excellent songs, dripping with emotion and talent. Anyone considering him/herself to be a fan of melodic heavy metal should give these guys a chance. Yeah, wake up, forget about bands like Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian and Hammerfall for a few minutes and listen to the talent of Steel Prophet because you certainly are missing out if you don’t. Bands, whose music is still firmly rooted in the old heavy metal scene and that valiantly fight to keep their heads above water.

Okay, they have made compromises and changed their style accordingly with undeniable power metal influences, but one must admit that Steel Prophet still has managed to keep their own feeling and identity, unlike the hordes of modern bands that seem to pop into existence by the thousands.

The album “Unseen” is mostly melodic heavy metal that reminds strongly of the late eighties with very political oriented lyrics, which is typical of the metal scene in that time period as well. No, you are not going to find any cliche hero-and-dragon stories on this album. Steel Prophet however don’t limit themselves to just melodic heavy metal but also has a rawer side, like the excellent thrash-like and anti-racism song, “Blackest of Hearts”, where melody is put aside for a few minutes and Steel Prophet vent their aggression towards all the bigots in the world.

This album is certainly nothing new but compared to the million and one other power metal bands out there a very positive surprise. Influences are certainly plenty, ranging from Fates Warning to even Nevermore and the album as a whole is very diverse with a good balance between melody, aggression and atmosphere. Rick Mythiasin’s voice is powerful and diverse, adding the final touch to this well produced album. I can only conclude that Steel Prophet has delivered an excellent album, which has the potential to become very popular indeed.