Pittsburg is the home of The Steel Curtain and deep in the trenches of the mines is another hidden gem named Stronghold. The band is working on a new spring release on Perris Records. In the meantime, we have their last release from 2004 “Portals of Illusion.” The opening track “Power Rises” is a brilliant array of musicianship. With vocals that will capture the minds of all Hard Rock and Power Metal fans! Kevin Rasel does a magnificent job as he mesmerizes you with his range, mildly sounding like Geoff Tate of Queensryche.

The collaboration and style of Stronghold is unique bouncing from progressive to traditional hard rock in the vein of Styx. I am not going to sit here and tell you I liked every track on the CD, more than half the tracks will get your blood pumping. The guitar work by Dave Climo is above average and at times letting loose. “Ironheart” is another good track, with Dave Climo showing some of his chops, although not over doing it. “All That I Am” is the highlight track. Just sit back, pump the sound up! “this song is on fire!” The vocals are killer, the breaks and riffs are fantastic! The background vocals just bring this song to life. This CD should definitely be in your collection. The band is also working on the song "Visions,” for the new Lizzy Borden tribute called "Baptized in Blood," due out this spring on Metallicarchangel Records.