The second album of Kiuas titled as Reformation is finally ready... admittedly I awaited this release with some interest, since I found some songs on their debut good. However, I couldn't have predicted what a disappointment their follow-up album would be. Especially the vocalist deteriorates the overall performance - he often sounds pretentious, and the material just seems to be somewhat boring. Sure at times there are good parts, but as a whole the songs aren't that impressive. I don't know what has happened... it seems that their potential has gone down the drain now. While Kiuas had few rather good songs on their debut, Reformation doesn't have a single great song - mediocre is the keyword here, and it's hard for me to come up with any reasons justifying the purchase of this record. Well, perhaps the good sides are those few good sections here and there and guitarwork, and the fact that you'll appreciate other albums (provided they're good) even more after listening to this record (brings things to perspective ;) If I should say something really positive about this release, I guess I should point out that the group's performance is rather tight.

The production on this record isn't spectacular either - sounds get frequently distorted. I guess I shouldn't waste my time for a fifth listen, the material doesn't seem to get better with more listening. If mediocre is what you seek, then you might enjoy Kiuas, but otherwise I'd recommend checking out some other metal groups.

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- MAGE (July 2nd, 2006)

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LINE-UP:
Jalkanen, Ilja: Vocals Näreneva, Markku: Drums Tanskanen, Atte: Keyboards Salovaara, Mikko "Ilmarinen": Guitars Tuominen, Teemu: Bass
Producer:	Unavailable
Mixing by:	Unavailable
Mastering by:	Unavailable

	TRACKLIST:
	01. Race with the Falcons 02. Through the Ice Age 03. The New Chapter 04. Of Ancient Wounds 05. Child of Cimmeria 06. Black Winged Goddess 07. Heart of the Serpent 08. Bleeding Strings 09. Call of the Horns 10. Reformation (Wrath of the Old Gods) Length: 43:53