Sanction X is a new German band formed by vocalist Ebby Paduch (Stonefield, D.T.F., Infinity's Call) and guitarist Robby Böbel (Talon, Frontline, Evidence One). Completing the line-up are Roberto D'Amico on bass, Peter Langer on drums and Ben Eifert on keys. Their debut album is called “The Last Day”

I’m not sure in what style I can classify Sanction X in. They have a general Power metal sound similar to Firewind, Masterplan and Dragonland, and some progressive and old school Heavy Metal elements making them sound a bit like Evergrey. Yet again, they are not the typical German Power metal band. “The Last Day” is an album filled with heavy imposing riffs, very nice melodies and very nicely attached vocals that express perfectly the emotion and feelings of the songs. I have to admit that Sanction X might be a kind of ‘love them or hate them’ kind of band.

The record opens with the track “The Calling”, with a typical rock intro riff before gently turning down a power-metal tangent. It’s a slow track with a monster chorus and a brilliant build-up through the verses. The medium-tempo track 'When Fire Will Touch The Night' has again a big and majestic chorus, although overall it isn't quite as mind-blowing as the first song. More melodic with a bit higher vocals unfolding slowly there power metal instincts. Tracks like “Alone Again” and “The Last Day” are more solid tracks with a proud, strong sound. The kind of epic song that you listen to and you feel that, through their music, they travel you to another dimension. The album has even more powerful melodic songs such as “Fly Away” and “'Feelings Came To Me”.

“The Last Day” is full of fabulous songs filled with emotion and power. One of the best releases of 2009, I could say, that certainly won’t disappoint.