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Clairvoyants began their journey back in 2001, and over the past seven years have won critical acclaim as the best and most popular Iron Maiden tribute band in Italy. Now after having inked a label deal with Italy's Valery Records, they have unleashed nine of their own original compositions and, as you would expect, one Iron Maiden cover. The album includes guest musicians Andre Matos (Angra, Shaaman), and Oliver Palotai (Kamelot, Doro).

It is clear from the opening notes of album opener "Journey To The Stars" that Clairvoyants are not bashful in terms of displaying their Iron Maiden worship. In fact the similarities are so striking it is as though they are still paying tribute, the exception being they are doing it with their own songs. Now I don't want to infer that they are stealing any melodies or riffs, just the opposite. While the tones of the riffs are similar, the compositions are in fact original and the technical skill relative to the manner in which they are delivered is first rate. The twin guitar attack of Luca Princiotti and Marco Demartini deliver the goods mightily. The powerful and passionate vocals of Gab Bernasconi do not display a hint of Bruce Dickinson in terms of tone or delivery. In fact, lest I say, you could make an argument that he sounds better.

Just like the Finns of Machine Men, Italy's Clairvoyants is an essential purchase for any Iron Maiden fan, or for that matter, any fan of the NWOBHM style. Every song is memorable with the exception of the one lame ballad "Closure". Brilliantly produced, wildly entertaining and loaded with catchy melodies and choruses, fans of traditional Heavy Metal will bask in the glow of Word To The Wise.