Formerly known as PERFECT CRIME, the German based band is back under the new name ETERNAL REIGN. With the addition of vocalist Dirk Stuhmer and keyboardist BjornMeyer, the bands’ debut “Forbidden Path” is a good first effort with the new line-up.

At first listen, ETERNAL REIGN reminds me of the early QUEENSRYCHE EP with more than just a touch of MAIDEN. This is a heavy, heavy CD and I can see where the band was trying to go as far as an “artistic” direction but it seems to just fall a little short. Songs like “Light the Light,” “Set The Sails,” “Les Reves En Plastique” and the title track “Forbidden Path” are energetic, high-powered tracks that go straight for the throat. You can hear the QUEENSRYCHE-ish guitar harmonies and solos as well as the DICKINSON/ TATE style of vocals but Stuhmer, although a very good vocalist, just doesn’t have the “chops” to match up and push it to that next level.

“Nightstalker” is your typical “vampire” anthem which even contains an intro sample from the 1994 film “ Interview With The Vampire.” It’s a valiant effort on a familiar premise but the chorus will leave you flat with its mundane lyrics that you’ve heard a hundred times before and could never live up to, say… STING’s “Moon Over Bourbon Street” as far as songs with that theme go.

Now on the other hand, tracks like “Edge of the World” and “Losing Ground” are far superior to any other tracks on the CD. They really showcase Stuhmer’s vocals in a range he definitely sounds more comfortable in. Both songs contain some incredible guitar work and are a bit more melodic in their composure in comparison to the rest of the disc making these two of my favorite tracks.

Overall, ETERNAL REIGN’s “Forbidden Path” deserves a listen. Fans of that hard QUEENSRYCHE-MAIDEN-ish style won’t be disappointed. As I said… it’s a “good” first effort but there’s definitely some room for improvement.