A Spanish power metal group is a much too rarely seen thing in my sight. At least after my meeting with Dark Moor, when I found out that Spain has some great metal talents to offer.

'Fight to the End' was mastered at new Sin Studios and cover art was given to professional hands of Jean-Pascal Fournier (who has failed this time quite badly...). Vhäldemar is still lightyears behind Dark Moor, but they are in good hands with Arise records as these two facts show.

Musically Vhälde-boys play very, very traditional power metal. If I say that Pedro J. Monge (who formed the band at the end of the 90s) likes Gamma Ray, I'm sure that I'm not far from truth. Two other bands crossing my mind while banging my head with Vhäldemar are Manowar and Grave Digger (!! Don't worry. Carlos Escudero can't sing, but he's still very far from Bolle!!). Although I compare them to these bands, it doesn't mean that they don't have their own sound. They sound very Spanish mixture of their influences.

As mentioned before, their singer can't sing. So if you like well sung metal, this could disturb you a bit...But in Carlos' defense, he doesn't even try to sound like he could, like some singers sometimes do.

Should you buy this or not? Don't buy it without listening. After few samples here and there you'll know. I wouldn't.

Reviewed by Mikki
09/19/2002 22:17