Missing Tide are an amalgamation of some of the finest metal talent to have come out of Denmark in recent years with backgrounds in world renowned bands such as Royal Hunt, Pretty Maids, Evil Masquerade, Manticora and Kingdom Come. With a basis in Kasper Gram’s consistent bass play and the pounding and energetic drums from Allan Tschicaja, combined with powerful guitar riffs from Jacob Kjaer and Henrik Brockmann’s characteristic, intense and unique voice, Missing Tide produces a solid, melodic sound which has produced a strong debut.  The style is a little more straightforward than you might expect given the more expansive nature of the some of the acts where the members have come from, but the four piece have gelled into a strong outfit with an identifiable sound which offers up 11 tracks covering the basics of the metal genre with a few neo-classical touches here and there.

The title track opener is fast and strong yet the mid-tempo groove of “Never Surrender” will bring a smile to fans of metal the likes of Dokken produced in their prime.  “Traces Of Fire” is reminiscent of Judas Priest being a real charger, whilst “Fairytale” packs a strong rhythmic statement into a great chorus and is a highlight.  “Dangerous” is home to some great drumming from Allan Tschicaja under the rich riffing from Kjaer’s guitar.  “Victim Of A Crime” is one of the slightly weaker tracks on offer although I suspect mainland European rock fans may well lap this up.  “Broken Wings” is a delicate power ballad, although nothing to really jump out from the pack.  “Push It To The Limit” brings the album back to a high standard and is home to a Maiden-ish riff and here Brockmann’s vocals soar on the catchy chorus –a great slice of European metal here.  “Take Me High” is another highlight driven by another pounding riff from Kjaer and another strong chorus.  “Away” is rooted in mid-tempo waters and is another classy affair where all the bands elements combine nicely and is another highlight.  “Long Live The Heroes” closes the album in a sort of Queensrÿche fashion and at close to 6 minutes is the longest track on offer.  The band manage to maintain their strong ethics throughout and sees the album out nicely.

For a debut release Missing Tide have produced a very strong debut with an identifiable sound which whilst not breaking down any walls in terms of originality is arguably a lot stronger than recent output from bands its members have stemmed from.  The basis is here for an excellent second album and hopefully “Follow The Dreamer” will attract enough attention to make this a reality.  The production is solid, if lacking a little sheen, it is however perfectly serviceable and powerful, the mix is strong but it just seems to lack a little sparkle in the final 10% of sound.   That said the music is the main focal point here and there are no complaints in this direction – recommended.