Band:	Thabu
Album:	Reborn
Style:	Heavy metal, Power metal
Release date:	October 2011

01. A Game Of Lies
02. Reborn
03. Fictionating The Present
04. Beyond The End
05. Theater Of Faith
06. Remains Of Reality
07. Leaving My Root
08. Hunting Sinners
09. Violentango

Reborn is the second album from Argentinian metallers Thabu, which clearly have set their sights on the heavy/power metal tradition.

In terms of their ability as musicians, it is undeniable that they are a capable group but that is rarely fully materialized in the form of good songs. It just goes to show that technical prowess isn't enough to create strong albums. There is a misconception that you need to impress with impossible riffs or tempo changes but, at the same time, there is a fine line between showing versatility and just trying too hard or exaggerating. For instance, the vocals are too exaggerated and too similar to Symphony X's Russell Allen for their own good. Some bands aren't very original but still manage to write passionate songs which spark an interest, something that is lacking in Reborn. The band would benefit from a little bit more individuality.

But not everything is bad. The band seems stronger on their instrumental and mellower side, and when they incorporate their Latin roots into their songs like they do in "Violentango", which is a roller coaster of dynamics. "Beyond The End", a ballad, shows their softer side and is one of their shiniest songwriting moments where the vocals are more controlled and subtle. Thabu typically use galloping heavy riffs, anthemic choruses, energetic solos and try to have a progressive edge, and all of this actually flows well together. "Remains Of Reality", an instrumental track, is one of the few songs which manages to grab our attention instantly and hold it without demanding much of an effort to keep listening. The bass assumes the lead and takes the song to new heights. Unfortunately, that is all very little to get us excited about. You're not getting much juice out of this orange.

Most of all, the problem with this album is that it ends up being more on the generic side of things. While we find good ideas here, it lacks imagination and more quality songs that aren't predictable, as simple as that.