Prog4you.com - Progressive Rock Review

Pownd is a US metal band based in Detroit, and "Circle of Power" is their second release, and their first release on power/prog metal specialist label Nightmare Records. It follows 9 years after their self-released debut album, and 11 years after the band was formed; at that time based in Kentucky.

Musically these guys seems to be influenced by a great number of bands and styles. Personally I'd name Black Sabbath and Soundgarden as bands I think have had the greatest impact on the sound here, but anyone with a better knowledge of metal than I have could probably name scores of other bands as probable influences here.

The soundscapes here are very much dominated by the guitars; with a sludgy and dirty overall signature sound. The band used standard metal riffs, shorter chords as well as drawn out chords, melodic overlays and intricate riff patterns woven together in a tight mix creating a heavy, tight guitar sound.

On top of the guitars the vocals of Michael Duncan adds mood and melody to the songs, with a vocal style often reminding me of good old Ozzy Osbourne, as well as Mike Patton and Chris Cornell. With seamless movement between those slightly different vocal styles.

The songs on this release are rather good as well. The quality as well as the styles here are mixed, but even the worst tracks here have interesting qualities - there are no really weak tracks as such here. But quite a few tracks are better than the rest, and in my opinion "Ellie" is the clear highlight on a strong release - a dark tight track overflowing on atmosphere and intensity.

Rating: 8 (out of 10)
Reviewer: Olav Björnsen

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Discography
Circle of Power (2007)
Pownd (1998)