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Pownd boasts an impressive resume, having played alongside bands like Iced Earth, Children of Bodom, Mercyful Fate, Opeth, and Anthrax.  But unfortunately, the general rule about bands with misspelled words in their name holds true here.

Circle of Power is a straight-ahead headbanging album and would probably be a blast to see and hear in a live setting.  The groove in “Slowly Drowning” would rule any moshpit.

Imagine a darker Bloodgood with more effects-pedal work and diverse vocals ranging from hair metal squeaking to nu-metal yelling with an occasional Ozzy-whine. “Never Means Forever” is a great song with harmonies, coming it at more than seven minutes with nice guitar work on the back nine, and would be even better with improved production, especially on the vocals.  “Blind” is also a highlight, if only because of the verses’ resemblance to Metallica ’s “Wherever I May Roam.”

But not much else stands out on the album.  The songs are too monotone, and even the solos usually stay too close to home, “Monster” and “Never Means Forever being the most notable exceptions.  This one’s for headbangers only.

Dan Singleton
May 19, 2007