Symphonic power metal band from Southampton, England. Ex-DragonHeart keyboardist Steve Williams and bassist Steve Scott (also ex-Shadowkeep) started the band in March 2001. They chose the name Power Quest for 2 reasons: "Power" obviously suggests power metal, and "Quest" conjures up images of warriors or pilgrims traveling in search of truth and destiny. Similar to bands like Rhapsody, Stratovarius and Freedom Call.

WINGS OF FOREVER (2002) UNDERGROUND SYMPHONY

Symphonic power metal bands are popping up all the time these days. And the style is often referred to as Italian metal, because of bands like Rhapsody and Labÿrinth. But these guys are the exception that verifies the rule. They are from England, but have an Italian singer and guitarist. 'Wings Of Forever' is their debut album, and time will only tell how far they will reach in this business. I must confess that this album didn't do much for me at first listen. Power Quest sounded too much like a second rate Rhapsody in my ears. But fortunately I gave the disc more spins, and that helped a lot. This band is not a clone-band, and they do not rip off the Italians at all. They have just as much in common with their German brothers in Freedom Call, and the Finnish golden boys, Stratovarius. Especially the guitar-work is great, but you have to listen closely, because the mix of the album doesn't always do the string-benders justice. Alessio is also a throat to look out for. "Glory Tonight" is an outstanding power metal tune, and I hope this band can come up with more songs like it. Also worth mentioning is that the album is produced by Karl Groom (Threshold). So I give this CD my warmest recommendations, but give it that extra listen to really find out how good it is. Here's to hoping for an even more spectacular second release.

Additional note: 3 guitarists, but no drummer? Sounds like a drum-machine to me!

Killer tracks: Wings Of forever, Far Away, Glory Tonight

NEVERWORLD (2004) FRONTIERS

Power Quest delivered a debut album I enjoyed quite much. The formula for the success was symphonic epic power metal. That is what we get this time around also, but this time the band have incorporated some other elements as well. So I was in for quite a surprise when I got 'Neverworld' in my player. Since last time they have changed labels. Frontiers is a label much more known for the melodic hard rock or AOR bands currently in their stable. So it was a bit puzzling to see that Power Quest had landed there. But after having heard the new album, things started to fall into place. Because the band has actually chosen (if this is voluntary decision shall remain unsaid) to alter the sound on some of their songs. The first track is an epic power metal symphony. And this song rocks hard. But already on track 3 we hear the changes come into action. This song sounds like a cross between TNT and Europe!! So I smell a rat. The entire album is also more keyboard oriented than its predecessor. Seeing that 80's pop-metal and epic/symphonic power metal aren't exactly overly comparable, the albums falls a bit in-between chairs. I like quite a few tracks presented here, but when it sounds like 2 different bands playing, I kind of fall off the wagon, so to speak. It doesn't even help that Threshold's Karl Groom has done a fine job producing the album. Maybe 'Neverworld' will grow on my in time. After all, that is what happened with their first one. But I sincerely think I will lack motivation to put it on, since I have about 1000 albums I will put on before it.

Killer tracks: Neverworld, Edge Of Time, When I'm Gone