Liljegren Records/Doolittle Group (2012)

Norwegian singer/keyboardist Per Fredrik Asly comes out with his first melodic metal album “Bag Of Tricks” He performed on his country’s version of the X Factor in 2009, making the top 12 and singing Italian/German power metal songs in the process for national live audiences. Featuring guest appearances from Amanda Somerville, Oliver Hartmann, Tommy Karevik (Seventh Wonder) and a huge assist from ReinXeed mainman Tommy ReinXeed on guitars, bass, keyboards, drums, and programming- this is an 11 song album channeling human emotions of love, fear, trust and strength into an Avantasia style project.

Per has a decent enough voice and the music is more in the Supreme Majesty meets symphonic manner but I don’t think there’s enough musical distinction or unique, memorable hooks to really separate songs such as “Win” or “Born In Babylon” beyond average in impact. Indiscriminate melodic metal followers may find a couple of songs to write home about, but for me PelleK emphasize the pop/keyboard elements too much for “Bag Of Tricks” to be nothing more than a one trick pony.

www.reachinghorizons.net/pellek
www.doolittle.se

Rating: 2.5 / 6

Composed by Matt Coe