Axxis started as a heavy rock band debuting in 1989 with “Kingdom Of Madness”, the biggest selling album in Germany for that year. Until mid 90’s, the band followed the same heavy rock/hard rock path with their album “Thrill Of A Lifetime” being the last one in that style. After two bad albums, 1995’s “Matters of Survival” and 1997’s “Voodoo Vibes”, Axxis returned in 2000 playing European power metal. Then on, the band continues in this genre, leaving the hard rock/heavy rock scene behind. The remaining original members are keyboardist Harry Oellers and talented vocalist Bernhard Weiss, whose vocal abilities keep on amazing us!

From the very first note of “Utopia”, it is more than obvious that Axxis are in full mood, they have some great ideas and sound fresher than ever. Comparing to their previous album “Doom of Destiny”,  “Utopia” us better in all, with better song units, while we have more female vocals than usual and for the first time one song in German (“Fass Mich An”). The album opens with an intro leading to a power metal attack, the wonderful, full-of-melodies title track. Traditional German power metal, with good riffs and bridges and a catchy chorus. “Last Man On Earth” is another great song following the opener. In general, the whole album and all of its songs keep a high level, with its heavier or mellower moments, which guarantee a more than enjoyable listening.

In all, “Utopia” is an album that confirms the unique id of Axxis and their songwriting abilities. The journey to Axxis’s “Utopia” is highly recommended to any fan of the German power metal scene.