With power metal still enormously popular in Europe, it's nice to hear a band with a more traditional take on classic metal. Astral Doors formed in 2002 and debuted a year later with Of The Son And Father. Vocalist Patrik Johansson (a veteran of hard rock, having also sung for bands such as Lion's Share and Wuthering Heights) has a husky, powerful voice that is very reminiscient of Ronnie James Dio. Dio is also a fine reference point for the music, along with Rainbow and perhaps a bit of Deep Purple -- in other words, classic heavy metal with a faint 70's edge, due in no small part to Joakim Roberg's tasteful Hammond organ work. Of The Son And Father is very much a sum of its influences, but yet the album comes across as fresh and invigorating rather than stale and dated. Traditional metal fans will no doubt enjoy this band immensely.