This the second release from 'Iron Savior' sees them continuing the Atlantis / Sci-Fi concept laid down on their debut album. Personally I struggled to get into the concept, but the story follows-on superbly and as with the debut is lyrically and musically just top-shelf Power Metal. 'Piet Sielck' and 'Kai Hansen' continue to trade lead vocals and lead guitar to stunning effects, while being supported by a new line-up which includes 'Masterplan' bassist 'Jan-S Eckert', Drummer 'Dan Zimmerman' and keyboardist 'Andreas Kück'.

'Unification' opens with the single release 'Coming Home' and immediately you know this is going to be a top album, this melodic galloping rocker highlights 'Piet Sielck' delivering the crafted lyrics with precision and power, while the duelling guitar solo is just spectacular. Be warned the opener is no one-off and there is no let-up as the 'Gamma Ray' reminiscent 'Starborn' follows in energetic fashion, a brisk no-nonsense blazer, 'Piet' gets in a good solo and the song is further braced by 'Jan-S Eckert's' supporting vocals. There's definitely no shortage of variation on 'Unification' and 'Kai Hansen's' lead vocals give 'Deadly Sleep' a different twist, but just when you think you know the song, 'Piet' takes over for the last verse and turns the song on its head- superbly arranged!. Brisker and heavier still is 'Forces of Rage', despite the intensity there is no lack of melody here, 'Piet' turns in a splendid performance with sharp vocals and a deft solo, while the album's concept is further enhanced by a short narrative titled 'Captain's Log'. It's back to slashing Power Metal with 'Brothers (Of the Past)', just one of many superbly penned tracks on this album, another highlight here is the dazzling guitar solos from 'Piet' and 'Kai'. The tempo falls for the melodious 'Eye to Eye', a powerful mid tempo affair, which includes an infectious chorus, while the ultra solid 'Mind Over Matter' ebbs and flows to a refined rhythm and melody. 'Prisoner of the Void' ensues in a similar vein, very harmonious, admirably sung and well penned, the song also closes with splendid solos from 'Piet' and 'Kai'. More melodious Metal bliss follows with 'The Battle' a potent chugger, that's bolstered by a lighter catchy chorus and comes complete with solid backing vocals, more hearty lyrics and a choice solo from guest guitarist 'Grave Digger's' 'Uwe Lulis'. The pace falls for the energetic but lighter sounding 'Unchained', 'Eckert' trades lead vocals with 'Piet', which gives this track a slightly different feel, that said it works very well and is graced with the usual glorious fret work. The concept closes with the balladsy 'Forevermore' which is written and sung by 'Kai Hansen' and despite having a slightly different feel to the rest of the album fails to disappoint. Tagged onto the end of the album are two excellent covers the first is 'Helloween's' 'Gorgar', which despite being a solid rendition might have worked better with 'Piet Sielck' singing some of the verses. The second is the 'Sabbath' classic 'Neon Knights', still doesn't quite better the original but works well with 'Piet's' vocals, while the rhythm work and guitar solo's are smoking.

A song titled 'Dragonslayer' performed by Swiss Folk Metal Band 'Excelsis' finds its way onto the album (winners of the '98 battle of the bands competition during “Atlantis Falling Tour '98”, It's a raw Power Metal affair, a bit drawn-out and the vocals are a bit dodgy, but still not too bad. Last up is a live version of 'Atlantis Falling', the production is a bit average with the drums coming across tinny, but it's still a good brisk run-through of a quality song.

A superb sophomore album that even betters their splendid debut, with every song excellent in it's own right!