Was the debut album of the Swedes of "Civil War" for me still a surprise hit, so the expectations for the second output were nevertheless already higher. Often, indeed the successor of a convincing debut not really meet the expectations and comes at best, on a constant level, therefore, not so in this case! With "Gods & Generals" there have Sweden of "Civil war" actually managed to still draufzulegen a shovel, and to beat the already already sensational debut "The Killer Angels" yet. Not only musically oriented "Civil war" at her former band "Sabaton" No, that "musical chairs you game" in personnel matters seems the Swedes to be in the blood. "Oskar Montelius" and "Stefan Eriksson" are indeed listening to "Gods & Generals" yet, but left the band prior to the release of this Silberling. But these are all just sideshow (Ha, as appropriate :-)) which obviously did not have too much impact on "Gods & Generals". Musically the new album of Sweden has become a real killer - that can be seen! Of course, the proximity to "Sabaton" can not be denied on the second album of "Civil War", all other allegations were ridiculous, yet they have to be managed incorporated a good deal of autonomy in their songs this time. Personally, I find that "Civil war" does not need to hide behind "Sabaton" because a lot of potential exists that has been implemented skillfully. Unlike its predecessor, a shovel was pathos in "Gods & Generals" draufgepackt but without drifting into the kitsch. The songs are full of heroic hymns, but in moderation, the narrow degree of embarrassment has not been exceeded - that fits! This album is blessed with all Power Metal distinguished and varied melodies, varied arrangements and lots of choruses are outfitted with these special catchy, dominate the latest compact the Swedish power metal band. The outstanding voice of "Nils Patrik Johansson" gives the songs still a certain something that makes sure that "Civil War" highlights from the mass of the genre. Ever me the Metal Bard has never so much as on the two "Civil War" - albums that voice fits like "fist on the eye 'to the music! The very first number, "War of the World" has convinced me. A quiet intro - then goes off the post! Fast, powerful guitar riffs and driving drums are the outstanding features of this song. The surprising tempo changes and catchy chorus ensure that this song is one of my highlights - a worthy opener! But "Gods & Generals" stands out not only by these fast and rapid songs, on the contrary, especially in the midtempo are some real firecrackers at the start. "Bay of Pigs", "Braveheart," "Back to Iwo Jima" and "Colours on my shield would be mentioned here, punchy, rough and with a melodic hardness, these songs bite firmly straight into the ear canals. In "USS Monitor", "Admiral over the oceans", "Gods and Generals" and "Knights of Dalecarlia" is pressed on the powerful tube that is Power Metal has this name deserves. Quick and yet marked by catchy melodies, this song immediately go into flesh and blood - What's hot! "The mad piper" impresses with its folkloric impact, the bagpipe is this song is special and unique, definitely a face-off tip for friends of folk elements in metal-like area. With "Tears from the North" have "Civil war" and a song at the start of the drift more into the ballad-direction and underlines that Sweden can actually everything what is desired. Also "Schindler's Ark" I would classify in this category, not a pure ballad, but definitely tending in this direction, and flavored with a good portion of melancholy, heard this song is definitely one of the highlights of "Gods & Genrals".
My conclusion: For friends of cultivated Power Metal here I would definitely buy a recommendation. If you like the music of "Sabaton", "Jorn" and "Dio", should anything go wrong with this compact. Even those who are already the predecessor, "The Killer Angels" is one of its highlights, to this compact may incorporate hesitation. I find that to "Civil war" have increased compared to her first again, I seem to have recognized a further development, but you will make a specially image of this album - I think it's worth it. Two thumbs up!