Great band, formed way back in 1993 by guitar player Steven D. Rice and singer David Michael. As soon as the line up was completed, they started to work their fingers to the bone with making songs in the unforgettable, amazing Bay Area Thrash Metal tradition. Their previous album "And So It Burns" was amazing and took us all by the throat. An album, released in 2000 with so much talent...i was totally knocked out with such a talented, powerful and headbangin' piece of Thrash / Power Metal with an eighties vibe. 

That was then, this is now and i can assure you all, Imagika still kicks ass real strong after all those years. Yeah alright, we have to wait for a long time to the follow up, but the band had to deal with some intern problems. The recordings for a new album were started, a few songs were ready but unfortunately, vocalist David Michael left the ranks. Losing your frontman during a time of recording an album isn't quite pleasant so that's why it took longer than expected. Finally, David's replacer was found by the name of Norman Skinner who is also was in local bands like Machine Called Man and Tramontane. 

Imagika was looking for a second axe grinder and found the right guy by the name of Pat Toms. Impressive drums will be destroyed by Henry Moreno and nothing but tons of powerloaded bass works are done by Elena Luciano who happens to appear in Metallica's movie "Some Kind Of Monster". Actually, Elena joined forces with Imagika a few months after the release of "And So It Burns". Renewed line up, locked and loaded so better watch out for Imagika's new album "Devils On Both Sides", to me one of the better releases so far in 2005. 

Be ready for more than 45 minutes of precisely, technical US Power / Thrash Metal at its best. Newcomer Norman Skinner's voice pierce through flesh and bones. Melodical, aggressive, high pitched parts, screams,...he can reach it all without problems. He reminds me of ex-Iced Earth singer Matthew Barlow, Mike How (ex-Metal Church / Heretic) and Charles Rythk? from Moragana Lefay. Musically, i reckon influences of Sanctuary, Metal Church (Blessing In Disguise album), Iced Earth, Testament, Morgana Lefay,...The production shines out different ways of pure perfection, just like the music. Also, very impressive cover artwork, booklet and inlay looks great! 

Ten songs awaits you all with varieties all over the entire album, nothing but phenomenal works that truly burns me inside. Pay attention of the ultra great combination of both guitar players. Killer riffs, bridges and solo's enough to speak of virtuosity here. For the first time with a second guitar player...well, the band sounds better than ever before to me, no doubt about that . My faves are: "In Your Shadow", "Hexed", "Devils On Both Sides"( with acoutic guitar parts!), "Last Battalion", "Voice Of Prejudice", the incredible last song "Vigilante" ...actually, i like the entire album with all of heart. Definitely my favourite album at the moment, probably best 2005 release for me! Metal the way i like and i'm sure i'm not the only one. 

Don't hesitate, have no doubt, get this fantastic piece of Metal real quickly. Metal To the Metals! 
Band's Record Label  Band's Official Website   MY POINTS: 95 / 100

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