Sometimes simplicity can translate into greatness. Sinbreed proves this. Sort of a half-supergroup which features the vocal talents of Herbie Langhans (Seventh Avenue) and the precision drumming of Frederik Ehmke (Blind Guardian), the name of this latest German power metal powerhouse seems to be popping up everywhere as of late, and it’s easy to see why – Sinbreed takes the absolute best aspects of the genre (melodic hooks, relentless speed, etc.) and makes them the framework of their debut, When Worlds Collide, while simultaneously shedding any shadow of a boring moment. Perhaps this makes the album a bit predictable, but this doesn’t really matter when the music is so damn energetic and instantly enjoyable. If you’ve been longing for a meaty speed metal album to sink your teeth into, then long no more, because When Worlds Collide is virtually flawless in regards to what it attempts to do, and is easily one of the best releases in this style of power metal in the past few years.

If you’re a fan of Herbie Langhan’s band Seventh Avenue, then you should feel right at home here – Sinbreed sounds like a more streamlined variation of that band, free of long songs, intros, and acoustic moments, and is heavier and better produced (production is essentially perfect) than any of SA’s albums. Thankfully, there’s just enough diversity among the ten songs to make this speedy journey go down much smoother; the guest keyboard work featured in several tracks and the wonderful melodies and neoclassical soloing of Infinity’s Call are prime examples of this, and several other surprising and welcome flourishes are found throughout When Worlds Collide. The song structure here is nothing special - the standard power metal verse / chorus / verse / chorus / solo / chorus formula is used here – but each track is so packed full of soaring vocals (Herbie has never sounded better) and traditional-yet-refreshing musicianship that it’s all too easy to forget the simplicity of what you’re listening to. For extra star power, a few relatively well known guests are recruited into Sinbreed’s ranks on certain tracks, including members from After Forever, Mercenary, and Pretty Maids. Add together all these components - the flawless production, simple-yet-effective songwriting, and talented musicianship from official and guest performers alike - and you have a record that feels top of its class in every way. I'm hardly convinced that this is actually Sinbreed's debut!

For me there are only two flaws to be found in Sinbreed’s debut, and those are: A) It’s not exactly original, and B) it’s over all too soon. Yes, forty-three minutes is an acceptable running time, but I found myself enjoying When Worlds Collide so much that the album seemed much shorter than this. Perhaps when it’s time for Sinbreed to put out another album they should insert an epic track that’s no shorter than eight minutes and that features many diverse sections – this would easily solve Sinbreed’s two flaws in one fell swoop. But until that day arrives, my thumb will remain firm on my stereo’s Replay button, because When Worlds Collide is certainly one of the most entertaining albums of the year that’s sure to rocket this band to the top levels of notoriety in the power metal community. Highly, highly recommended!