Seventh album in for 'Paragon' and they show no signs of lettering up, as they formulate another blistering blend of Teutonic Power Metal. In fact 'Revenge' follows on seamlessly from 'The Dark Legacy', perhaps there's a little more development shown, as they experiment with some semi epic material, but they stray very little from their now trademark style. Since the previous album, guitarist 'Claudius Cremer' has departed only to be replaced by 'Günny Kruse', in all honesty this has changed the sound very little and along with shredder 'Martin Christian' the fret work is still dynamic and stringent. As with previous 'Paragon' albums, Power Metal mastermind 'Piet Sielck' notches up another stellar production job, while contributing backing vocals and a little song writing.

Most 'Paragon' albums open with an absolute ripper and 'Revenge' is no exception, 'Impaler' is a full throttle Power Metal treat, brimming with rampant guitars, cutting vocals on hostile lyrics, while guest axe master 'Tom Naumann's' solo completely rips. Following in fine form but perhaps a little more predictable is 'Assassins', that said the instrumental break fuelled by new boy 'Günny Kruse' is a highlight as are 'Andreas Babuschkin's' vocals, which have further improved since 'The Dark Legacy'. More quality comes by the way of 'Traitor' a top grooving Metal treat and although a little drawn out towards the end, sports a powerful chorus, divines riffs and more impressive solos. 'Masters of the Seas' is a slight departure for 'Paragon' as they delve into epic arrangements, I'm not totally convinced here though, they seem to have taken a 'Running Wild' theme and thrown a load of different song ideas together, to concoct a 'Manowar' meets 'Iron Savior' style track that despite some fine instrumentation is sadly too fractionalised and uneven to make the grade. Back to what they do best is the blazing title track 'Revenge' and overlooking the repetitive chorus, this is your standard 'Paragon' Power Metal thumper, possibly not the finest title track in their back catalogue but still a strong effort. The tempo falls for the mid paced 'Symphony of Pain' which owes more than a nod to 'Grave Digger', especially 'Andreas' Babuschkin's' vocals, and as with the majority of that group's material, fails to disappoint. It's back to the semi epics again with 'Beyond the Veil' and in all honesty this isn't really an improvement over 'Masters of the Seas', as a whole too plodding and predictable and again has that 'Manowar' / 'Iron Savoir' feel, but still doesn't reflect the best of either of those groups. 'The Battle Rages On' sees 'Paragon' on more familiar territory, simplistic, graced with superb fret work and fuelled by relentless rhythm- they can't go wrong on this type of song!. Ensuing in similar fashion is the 'Art of War', a 'Helloween' suggestive Speed Metal ripper, not the most refined track you will hear, but still a hearty venture. The tempo is dropped for the final track 'Empire of the Lost', a powerful plodder that while showing more variety, isn't particularly catchy.

If you are lucky enough to obtain a version which includes a bonus track, you can enjoy a cover of 'Manowar's' 'The Gods Made Heavy Metal', a fine rendition it is too, personally I do prefer 'Eric Adams's' vocals, but 'Andreas Babuschkin' still does a fine job, while all being tied together with the sweet fret work you have come to expect.

If you liked 'The Dark Legacy' you will undoubtedly like 'Revenge', I wouldn't go out on a limb and say that this a better album, as the epics and more experimental tracks ('Empire of the Lost') don't impress as much as I would have hoped. That said the rest of the material reflects quality crunching Power Metal, that will please any fans of the genre.