Cydonia’s second album “The Dark Flower” comes quite as a surprise; for the first time in a while I’m listening to a power metal album that actually sounds original. However, calling it pure power metal wouldn’t do it justice to the music since it is more a mixture of Bay Area thrash and power metal with cyber influences. The songs are compact with powerful but catchy riffing and strange futuristic keyboards.

“The Dark Flower” is an album that is very difficult to categorize and that might be one of the dangers it faces. The catchy melodies and poppy (almost mainstream) choruses might not be appreciated by true power metal fans. Nevertheless I must admit that Dan Keying (sole author of all the music and lyrics) has succeeded in creating an album that sounds original and powerful. Sure, the music is in my opinion slightly too poppy, but it does not change the fact that “The Dark Flower” is a CD that shows that metal can still be refreshing at times.

The second track is a cover of the Russ Ballard song, “Voices” and blends perfectly with all the other tracks. In fact, if you didn’t know it was a cover, you most likely wouldn’t hear it either. Finally, the production of the album is excellent with a crystal clear but powerful sound and a good balance between the instruments. If you consider yourself to be an open-minded metal fan then you might want to check this album out. However, if you think that Cydonia will sound like a straightforward power metal act then I will have to disappoint you and advice you to stay clear of this CD because it most likely won’t live up to your expectations.