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CD: Gothic Knights (Demo)	Released: 2002
Reviewed By: Alex Kharlamov (arhar)	Rating: (5/5)

I consider myself incredibly lucky to be listening to this advance demo of Gothic Knights, because soon enough GK will finally get the world-wide recognition they deserve and I'll be able to sell this for a $100 or more on eBay as an incredibly rare item from the band - not that I would even consider doing it!

Because folks, as soon as the new album is finished, Gothic Knights will take their rightful place on the throne of American traditional power metal! But first things first, as a little introduction is needed for the benefit of those unfortunate enough not to be familiar with this incredible band.

Gothic Knights hail from Brooklyn, New York, USA, and have released their first self-titled album in 1996. Soon after that, the line-up problems have started to plague the band, as the lead singer Rick Sanchez parted ways with the band. "Kingdom of Knights" was released in 1999 with Brian Avatar on vocals, and it was still a great album, even though I didn't like Brian's vocals that much. However, since then Rick has triumphantly returned to the Knights, and the band is soon to release their long-awaited next album.

The style that they play has remained largely unchanged throughout the years -balls-to-the-wall blasting power metal, in the best traditions of early Helloween. Despite the sorry state of metal in the States, and when every other band sells out and starts playing wimp-rock, Gothic Knights stuck to their guns and gained a cult following in New York area.

But, I should probably say something about the demo itself that I'm reviewing. There are SEVEN songs on the record:

- Sleepy Hollow
- The Witching Hour
- Heaven's Fire
- Up from the Ashes
- Power and the Glory
- Vampyre
- Guardian Archangel

My first impression of the demo was 'this stuff is incredible!' While Gothic Knights are still true to themselves, they have added some new influences to their music. Some songs are even more edgy and aggressive than before, and I heard traces of Overkill, Slayer and even Death in places. "Vampyre" is a 'ballad' - but don't think Warrant and hair-spray just yet! It is epic and aggressive in the best traditions of Helstar, and glam is nowhere to find on this disc! The guitar playing deserves a special mention. John Tsantakis is one of the best guitar players in metal right now! This is a pretty bold statement, I know. But then again - if you just listen to him playing, you'll know why I'm saying this.

Most importantly, the songs are so well-crafted that it's practically impossible to stay sitting down in your chair. While writing this review and listening to the album, I noticed several times that I have started headbanging, and had to make an effort to stop - it's kind of difficult to write, flash the horns, headbang and scream "MEEEETTTUUUHL!!!" at the same time.

Final Verdict: As you have realized by now, this demo by itself will make a drooling fanboy out of most uncaring skeptic. I cannot wait until the real album will finally come out! This ROCKS!

P.S.: For additional information on band, or if you want to order their back catalog, visit http://www.gothicknights.com/