There is a lot that can be said for the rapidly growing city of Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, and most of it isn't suitable for this site, but I will say that in Canada when one hears that name in conversation, it evokes a bit of a prairie wasteland mixed in with the controversies the oil industry naturally creates. There is big money in Grande Prairie, but it's reputation is a bit rough, it has a crappy climate, and it seems an unlikely home for a metal band in an otherwise country music-loving land. But Edge of Attack must be doing something right! They're on the verge of releasing their third album, their first with female vox Roxanne Gordey, and if you look at their Facebook page, you'll see that they have a very significant following with nearly 138,000 fans and over 4200 people talking about them elsewhere on Facebook. That is freakin' impressive given the fact that this band is basically from the boonies and a city not known for its more cultured offerings. Perhaps Edge of Attack will put Grande Prairie on the map for something else other than oil and gas drilling and mills.

Due for release February 19, Edge of Attack's self-titled album's ten tracks take the listener on journey played out in the fast pace of a thrash-power metal mix that gallops at a heated pace right from the opener, "From Hell." While not a concept album per se, I do think Edge of Attack is at the very least a thematic album, tying together the band’s name, the album cover, and the lyrical themes. As the band's name suggests, there is a definite line-through of waiting for something sinister to happen at any moment, whether it be an attack from a demon while sailing the norther seas, which is what "Demon (Of The Northern Seas)" is about. Other songs darkly suggest the impending bombardment of some monstrous enemy lying in wait till the time is right to attack. There are things lurking in shadows, and the band is on guard, awaiting an imminent battle. They literally are on the edge of attack, and they are fighting for their very survival.

Musically, this is a very fun, energetic album. The band's description of itself as fusing together old school thrash with power metal is pretty apt, thought I found it to be a bit more leaning towards the power metal side of things than the thrashy. Though there isn't a keyboarist listed on the bands site, the key support lends a melodic, dramatic edge to the music that upped the excitement factor substantially. There are a lot of great, crunchy riffs and some seriously blistering guitar solos, performed by lead guitarist Jurekk Whipple, who lends his harsh vocals to the mix without being overbearing or overwhelming the music.

Lead vocalist Roxanne Gordy has a vox in the lower register, which I think is very appropriate for the darkness of the band's overall sound. The album would have a far less imposing feel to it if she were your run of the mill soprano, so instead her alto blends into the ambiance perfectly. I have no idea what Roxanne's total range is, but she keeps it pretty low key here, augmented by the odd, spine-chilling scream. A recent inductee into the Eve's Apple orchard, I believe we can look out for this young woman to be major standard bearer on the scene.

Edge of Attack also features, in addition to its own group of talented musicians, three guest vocalists. The first one appears in track three, the aforementioned " Demon (Of The Northern Seas)", and it's Ivan Giannini. A solo artist whom the band found his audition videos when he was applying for the empty spot Dragonforce had on its roster; this is a very effective duet. Ivan does some high-pitched stuff that's really dramatic and adds some flare to the song. The next guest vocalist is Ryan Bovaird of Ontario's Hallows Die, and he contributes on track 9, "The Damned." Finally, we have Pellek of UK's Damnation Angels singing with Roxanne on track 11, "Set the World Aflame."

There isn't a weak song on this album, but particular favourites of mine are the opener, "From Hell", for which there is a music video, and it's got a great thrashiness to it I really enjoyed. "Take Me Alive," has an anthemic quality to it, in addition to really highlighting that thrash and power metal fusion I was talking about earlier. Not to mention it has a fantastic guitar solo, probably my favourite on the album. I really like the song "Forever", too, which also has a music video. But without a doubt the strongest song on the album is the final one, "Set the World Aflame", which clocks in at over 8 minutes and has a very strong progressive feel to it. Starting off with a simple choir and drum intro, it jumps into hyper drive and takes off at the speed of light before a mellow breakdown at the midpoint. It's an epic song, and it's a great way to end an epic album.

And I don't use the word "epic" lightly here, but when viewed as an experience, taking into account all of the different elements I've mentioned, this album is indeed an epic journey of fighting for survival, fending off enemies, and enduring hell in order to live to fight another day. The themes are reinforced over and over again, creating an unfolding drama suitable for a Hollywood blockbuster.

And speaking of blockbusters, I think this album is going to be Edge of Attack's big break-out release. The band's internet and social media savvy speaks volumes about their ability to sell themselves even way before an album is released. The video for "Forever" came out about 10 months ago; releasing a video that far in advance of the album is ridiculously smart; it's created buzz and anticipation, and no wonder the band has such a strong following already. Besides great business smarts, this band is too talented to not have big things happen to it. For instance, Jurekk can easily be the next big deal guitar player on the scene, he's that good.  With sound song writing added to the recipe of success Edge of Attack is creating for itself, this will not only put Grande Prairie on the map, but they'll be a force on the metal landscape to be reckoned with as well.

9.5 / 10