STAMINA – System Of Power (2017)

Italian melodic progressive metal band STAMINA is the brainchild of guitarist, songwriter and producer Luca Sellitto. And since their inception, their idea has been to create powerful music across the Hard Rock, Power Metal and Prog Rock genres. “System Of Power” is Stamina’s third full release and features a host of guest musicians including the great Göran Edman, Henrik Brockmann (ex Royal Hunt, Evil Masquerade) and Nils Molin (Dynazty), among others.

Something of a musical signature to Stamina is the tandem playfulness between guitars and keyboards, with generous solos to be found between each, in most every song. Alessandro Granato sings clean and strong, yet always in control.
The new album kicks off with “Holding On” a melodic power / prog metal of a tune filled with soaring vocals ala TNT’s Tony Harnell and fleet fingered neo classical guitar runs.
A tune like “Love Was Never Meant To Be” allows the band to stretch out a bit and flex their collective technical muscles and show their progressive side.

“Must Be Blind” is a straight ahead metal pounder with a gritty staccato riff and “One In A Million” will suck you in with its catchy chorus and punch, featuring Göran Edman on backing vocals.
“Portrait Of Beauty” capture your attention by starting with pleasing drum work paired with something akin to an old school Hammond organ sound that I like alot.

Perhaps the only lighter and reserved song is Undergo (Black Moon Pt. 2). Something of anthem, it offers classical acoustic guitar at the start, then combined with light synths, and Granato’s voice lighting above each. Eventually the arrangement rises in crescendo with bigger riffs, larger drums, swelling orchestration, and a huge guitar solo.

Overall, “System Of Power” is a very solid album that will hopefully bring more attention to Stamina, as it’s a great blend of melodic progressive metal, power, and classic metal with some excellent musicianship, great vocals, and consistently strong songwriting.
Highly recommended for metal and prog fans who prefer the more melodic side of the genre.

01 – Holding On
02 – Must Be Blind
03 – One in a Million
04 – Undergo (Black Moon Pt. 2)
05 – Love Was Never Meant to Be
06 – System of Power
07 – Why
08 – Portrait of Beauty

Luca Sellitto (guitar)
Alessandro Granato (vocals)
Andrea Barone (keyboards)
Mario Urciuoli (bass)
Andrea Stipa (drums)
guests:
Göran Edman (Yngwie et all)
Nils Molin (Dynazty)
Henrik Brockmann (ex Royal Hunt, Evil Masquerade)
Kenny Lubcke (Royal Hunt)

BUY IT !
www.nehrecords.com/SHOP/StaminaSystem.htm
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