The Name Gutter Sirens doesn’t quite conjure up what to expect from the band’s music. I was expecting something down ‘n’ dirty, more Heavy Rock, along the lines of AC/DC or Chrome Division; instead we have some awesome Euro Power Metal. Over the past few years there has seen an emergence of Metal bands from Poland with many of them looking to take on the Scandinavians’ and other Western Europeans’ dominance in many of the Metal genres. Gutter Sirens may have been inspired by such bands as Savatage and Helloween but the musicianship on their current release Horror Makers greatly challenges anything these bands have produced.

Horror Makers has a BIG sound, especially vocally which comes from bassist Doman. He has a voice that makes you think he was born to sing this style of Melodic Power Metal. The guitaring from Pawel Kowalczyk and Mariusz Czarnomysy covers all the styles expected in this genre, and then some! Stylish Neo-Classical pieces, chugging rhythms, blistering technical solos and intros, and some pinch harmonics that would rival anything from Zakk Wylde. They also play some enchanting slow melodies in tracks such as Looking For The Night and the Death Of The Day which also has, what sounds like, an awesome Electro/Acoustic 12 string playing throughout, and if there’s anything to get the hairs on my neck to stand up it’s a well played 12 string. Keyboarder Rafal Aleksandrzak adds some quality flourishes with a wide range of playing styles and sounds from piano to church organ all complimenting or enhancing the overall sound. Something else that really caught my attention from the first spin was the totally mind-blowing drumming from Marcin Szumilo. His kick patterns are something to behold, going from pneumatic drill speed to triplet kicks to intricate technicality and back again never missing a beat. In all my time writing reviews I have had the privilege of hearing some amazing drummers but I don’t think I will ever hear again the drumming skill displayed by Marcin on this album. However, even though he is one awesome drummer, he doesn’t appear to force himself upon the music, he just seems to be there doing the job without coming over as flash and ‘Hey, look what I can do!’ Also lending their talents to Horror Makers is Swedish singer Goran Edman, who provided lead vocals on The Death Of The Day, and Marta Woltanska adding female backing vocals on a number of tracks.

Horror Makers could be Gutter Sirens’ defining album; the one that stamps their mark on the Melodic Power Metal scene. However, as this corner of the market is awash with up and coming bands, as well as the established acts, gutter Sirens are going to have to hit the touring trail hard to get their name engraved on peoples’ minds. Although they can be labelled as Melodic Power Metal there are moments of Dream Theater and Symphony X Prog type elements subtlely entwined into the album. If you are a fan of such bands as Gamma Ray, Stratovarius, EdGuy, Thunderstone or Dream Theater, Symphony X then Horror Makers will undoubtedly float your boat. Even if you just have an occasional hankering for something Melodic then look no further than Horror Makers. I have a feeling that Gutter Sirens are going to be a name to be reckoned with in the Melodic Metal genre and it will be their turn to influence new bands. Definitely an album that is going to hang around my playlist for a long time to come.