Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Nicta is a young power metal band from Italy, formed from the ashes of Moska. They seem to be in a transitional phase in line-up and I would say it also shows in them musically as well. In addition to their highly melodic, epic sound, they've incorporated some black metal style screeching and some thrash breaks. There is a liberal use of keyboards, but the aggressive power guitar work keeps it from the level of the more symphonic stuff out there.

Enuma Elish--is a power-prog number based on a 12th century Babylonian/Mesopotamic poem. Given the grand scale of the material, their music rightfully has a lot of change-ups and movements. The vocals sounded a little high for me to make out the words without a lyric sheet, but I really liked the use of the black vocals.

Wrathful--seems a bit confused on what it wants to be. It started with a great speed riff that could've carried the entire song then fell into slower minor riffs that really oppose the pissed-off lyrical content.

Divine Deception--flowed melodically enough that I don't think it needed its stand alone black parts.

The Darkest Inner Shadow--more raw in sound and consisting of light/heavy parts that use more black vocals than regular. Keys are more for background than lead riffs. It's the most consistent and the best of the CD.

Nicta definately has some power metal talent. I haven't heard that much power metal with black metal additions to say whether it's a trend or not, but given the multitudes of bands that still sound like Helloween, any attempt to expand the genre with parts of another is a welcome one.