Portrait occupy a strange space (especially for a new band) between NWOBHM, early Power Metal, and early Black Metal. I know that sounds confusing, but all these Swedes want to do is sound like their idols in Mercyful Fate. They do a pretty excellent job of satisfying the 'Fate craving without sounding like an overt rip-off. They've taken the old template, modernized it, and bumped it up a notch in intensity. The 'Fate comparison really gets made with the vocals, which have a King Diamond-esque melodic style, but are much more like a typical metal "scream" than a proper falsetto. The tight, nimble guitar work is the other highlight here; showcasing different influences from Maiden-style gallops, to Black Metal tremolo picking. My only complaint is that the drumming is far too linear and metronomic. But otherwise this is a great, accessible record that'll appeal to many a metalhead.
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