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 done Right   January 10, 2005
Nihilist Bstrd (Nashville, TN USA)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I first heard of Aska back in 1994 in the service when they did a USO tour. At the time I thought they were a good covers band but didn't like their original material, they were touring on their "Immortal" album. Years later I looked them up on the Internet out of curiosity and found their website. At the time their whole Avenger album was available for download so for the hell of it I downloaded it. The change was amazing. Songs like "Crown of Thorns" and "Imperial Rome" became instant favorites of mine. When I bought the CD I kept it in my truck CD player for a year straight. Fans of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest Manowar will love this CD from beginning to end. The argument can certainly be made that its not "original" but what is? It also doesn't try to be. These guys wear their influences with pride, "Crown of Thorns" could've been a Judas Priest track, the bass line from "Leather" is pure Steve Harris (Iron Maiden) worship and on and on.
Bottom line if you are looking for a good rocking album from beginning to end that includes heavy influence from classic metal bands then pick this up.


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.


Your medieval journey has begun...   February 17, 2003
Neon Blonde (Dallas, TX USA)
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!


Excellent   January 6, 2001
Mark Romero (Florida)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I had never heard of these guys until they went on their recent DoD/USO tour of Japan and Korea. They were on the radio here at Yokota Air Base, Japan doing an interview and I was lucky enough to be the second caller in to win their Avenger CD. So I drove to the station to collect my winnings and met all the guys. Little did they know, the metal god of Yokota Air Base, me, had won. How appropriate. Upon listening to the disc I immediately spotted hints of Ronnie James Dio and Jag Panzer. Overall, an excellent disc. George Call is a very good vocalist and there are plenty of riffs ala Maiden, Panzer, and Dio. Pick it up. You won't be disappointed.