Band:	Lonewolf
Album:	The Dark Crusade
Style:	Heavy metal, Power metal
Release date:	November 2009

01. Dragons Of The Night
02. Viktoria
03. Legacy Of The Wild
04. The Dark Crusade
05. Hail Victory
06. Warrior Priest
07. The Wolf Division
08. Heathen Horde
09. Words Of The Witch
10. Winter Farewell
11. The Hour Zero

Heavy power metal hordes, this review really could interest you especially if you are into bands such as Paragon, Stormwarrior or Grave Digger (just to name a few of them). But before getting into the music itself, let me quickly introduce the band for those of you who are not familiar with the band, or who simply never heard the name of Lonewolf until reading these lines.

Lonewolf is a French heavy power metal band from Grenoble which was formed in 1993. The Dark Crusade, which is the fourth studio album from the band, was recorded during summer of 2009, and was mixed and mastered by Andy La Rocque (HammerFall, Falconer), while Bart Gabriel was in charge of the production. The Dark Crusade was released on November 15, 2009 via Karthargo Records and the cover artwork of the album was drawn by Chris Moyen (Slayer, Trivium).

To be completely honest with you, and even though traditional heavy power metal is not my favorite metal genre, I must admit that it was an enjoyable moment listening to this new album. Indeed, The Dark Crusade hosts numerous catchy songs, tinted with melodies and also contains a wide range of rhythms. It must be highlighted that the guitar work is simply impressive, also supported by heavy drumming parts in the background, which lead all together to a really dynamic album. Furthermore, great guitar solos are scattered along the whole album. To be convinced, simply have a listen to the songs "Legacy Of The Wild," to the title track "The Dark Crusade," or to "Winter Farewell." The vocal parts are pretty good, too, and the tessitura and the tone of the singer can remind you of the singing of Chris Boltendahl (from Grave Digger). Finally, the purists can be also delighted because the album contains "clichés" and stereotyped elements of the heavy power metal genre such as on the track "The Hail Victory," which kicks off with swords clashing and battle cries in the background, and then followed by a light-hearted chorus which immediately sticks in your head.

Even though The Dark Crusade brings nothing really markedly new in the heavy power metal scene, it remains a really solid album. Indeed, the sound is really clear and powerful. Also the songwriting is pretty good and the production reinforces the musicians' work which is far for being bad, too. If you are into heavy power metal, you should really have a listen to this album; you will not be disappointed. So, no need to argue anymore, put The Dark Crusade into your CD player and get your own opinion.

Highlights: "The Dark Crusade", "The Hail Victory", "Winter Farewell"