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Epic Metal can be tough to define, as it straddles more than one genre, but its origins began with the 70s output of bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Judas Priest. It was then refined in the early 80s by the likes of Manilla Road and Manowar. Crom, the one-man band featuring Walter "Crom" Grosse, takes all that is good from those sources and gives it the benefit of a modern production for his band's second album, Of Love and Death.

At the heart of Epic Metal are the lyrics and can there be anything more epic than love and death? I usually relegate lyrics to a supporting role but that would be a mistake when it comes to Of Love and Death. Songs like "My Song for All the Broken Hearts" and "The Fallen Beauty 2010" evoke powerful images of loss and sadness. "Just One Blink" is chilling with its powerful professions of love. Grosse's vocals are strong and well suited for delivering his emotional message and he uses harmony vocals and choruses to great effect. The music is equally grand in scale, with lots of mid-paced tempos. Contemplative acoustic guitars offset huge, electric riffs, allowing each melody to wash over you like a wave.

Despite all the good that can be found in Of Love and Death, I am nagged by the feeling that something is missing; something small perhaps, but missing nonetheless. Even though it didn't have the impact I expected, I still highly recommend Of Love and Death. Crom does Epic Metal as well as any band out there and the album is well written and performed. Fans of Epic Metal should definitely seek this one out.