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This CD is simply more mature, in every possible way, then their previous offerings. From the rythm section, to the guitar leads, to the lyrics, to George Call's singing, Aska has transformed themselves from weekend warriors, into a band poised to take their place among the genre's elite.

If you have never heard Aska's music, I believe they could be best desribed as a combination of Iron Maiden and Manowar, with touches of Queensryche sprinkled in for good measure.

This CD takes off from the opening track, Crown of Thorns (my favorite track on the CD), and never loses momentum. There is really no point in mentioning a few standout tracks, because in truth, they all stand out.

I would be remiss if I didn't take the opportunity to point out George Call's awesome vocal talents. George has one of those voices, that is just tailor-made for the heavy metal genre.

Three words... buy this CD.


Metal Avenger   January 7, 2000
 4 out of 5 found this review helpful

Another great album from a great bunch of guys. Avenger sees Aska reaching deeper into the traditional roots of metal. In comparison to Nine Tongues, this album uses better lyrical content and song writing than better (hard to believe). In general, it's definitely a matured effort from Aska. My personal favs for this one are opener Crown Of Thorns, Leather, Eternal Night, and Imperial Rome. My only complaint is that the guitars here are a little more polished than those on Nine Tongues; the crunch just isn't the same. However, for those of you that miss the golden age of Metal, and wish to venture back to the glory days of Iron Maiden or Manowar, Avenger is your one way ticket.


UNHOLY WICKEDNESS!!!!   November 20, 2000
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Let me get right to the crux of the matter- This cd is so cool, so true in it's metal content, that it surpasses just about everything and anything out there today, professional or independent. Bank on it. Sounding like an unholy union of the best of the best within the metal genre, ASKA nonetheless manages to forge a sound and identity of their own and have crafted a unique disc, part concept album and all METAL! One listen to disc opener CROWN OF THORNS and it becomes immediately apparent that this band is for real- right here, right now. Get on board or prepare to get steamrolled out of the way. My one word of caution to anyone contemplating buying this record: If you're NOT into metal...then don't bother cuz this is nothing but! Worth mentioning: Vocalist George Call. This guy could be in a singing competition with Dickinson, Halford, Dio, Tate, or Midnight (ex-Crimson Glory) and not be the slightest bit nervous. This is the band metalheads will be talking about in the near future and this will probably be the disc credited. Get it now and join the revolution early! While the rest of the civilized world dances to the latest sissy boy band beat I'll be happy defying convention with ASKA's AVENGER!! I'd give this thing ten stars but five's the limit.


Your medieval journey has begun...   February 17, 2003
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

'Avenger' is powerful, melodic, and in-your-face metal! It takes you back to the glory days of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and other great metal acts that we have grown to love and respect. The lyrical content of this cd speaks well for itself. If you love a great story and great music you will find it all in this album. The vocalist, George Call, has become a great friend of mine and I have come to respect all the members of ASKA for their musical talent, song writing abilities, and their undying loyalty to their fans. Put the cd in your player, sit back and close your eyes and be ready for the journey of a lifetime!


Holy wonder bread Batman!   February 25, 2004
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I read these other reviews and some say it's great, some are saying so-so. I down loaded "Crown of Thorns" and thought good song but not great. I left it in rotation on my media player and after a few rotations, it just got better and better. Next thing I know, I can't get this song out of my head. So I bought the CD. After listing to once, I thought the same about the rest of songs on the disk, good but not great. But since I just paid sixteen plus dollars for the disk I gave it a few more spins. Holy wonder bread Batman, I was consumed. I now realized the masterminding they put into this CD. The songs get deeper the more I listen to them. I swear I hear something new on every listen. I have never heard an independent band put out a CD of this quality. The booklet screams quality too, it has eighteen pages full of pictures, twenty if you count the front and back. I don't think the reviewers who panned this album gave it enough spins.
My favorites this week are "Crown of Thorns", "Leather", "Escape Victorious", "Against the Gods", and "Valkyries". I now have "Nine Tongues" on order and can't wait for the next CD, their website say's it's coming soon.