Forming in 2005 from the ashes of Malady and Dio tribute band Evilution, Benedictum gained the attention of one Craig Goldy and it wasn't long before their debut album, 'Uncreation', saw the light of day, produced by Jeff Pilson (Dokken, Dio, Foreigner) and with enough positive reviews to see the band pick up the Band To Watch tag by Classic Rock magazine in 2006.

'Dominion' is album number three for the San Diego classic metal crew, released via Frontiers Records and produced by Ryan Greene (Megadeth, 5, MXPX, NOFX) and with some special guests in the form of Rudy Sarzo, Jeff Pilson and Craig Goldy, with the latter two being pretty much unofficial members having appeared on all three releases in the Benedictum catalogue, Jimmy Bain helped out on the debut with George Lynch doing the same on the follow up, 'Seasons Of Tragedy'.

Fronted by the infamous Veronica Freeman, 'Dominion' is a graduate from the school of classic traditional metal but, despite having a female frontwoman, it's not a metal-come-operatic cross over as has become the in thing. The Benedictum stall is set out from the opening track with a very European feel and a fine mix of power and melody with oodles of energy, creativity and enthusiasm. Interestingly the album closes with 'Overture/Temples' from Rush's '2112' classic which shows that they have the balls to put their credentials on the line and, in fairness, they make a decent job of it and it works.

This album has depth and class running through it but, for me, the big selling point of Ms Freeman's vocals are at times a chink in their metal armour with the strength of the music behind them. 

www.myspace.com/benedictum