This one could well be the sleeper hit of the year. "Defender" is derivative of basically a one-man project, that man being Phillip Von Segebaden, notable for his most recent work with Swedish Death act Afflicted. Having since moved forward from there into the current framework that is "Defender," he, along with the contributions of a select few studio musicians, has created "They Came Over The High Pass," which captures the true essence of metal, embracing both speed and power, tranquillity and melody, capturing the imagination by way of epic storylines in the finest Maiden tradition.

Unlike many others of the ever increasing and impressive roster of metal performers, "Defender" rides the raw edge of the tracks, opting not so much for the streamlined production or free flowing octave-climbing vocals, but more of that which recalls the earlier time where metal's roots and production quality were still in it's growth stages.

Highlights found here are many, but probably the most impressive block of music can be discovered on track 3, "High Himalayan Valley," a full 8 minutes plus, that charts, explores, and ultimately conquers, every imaginable terrain that's to be found in any and all the styles that make true heavy metal the superior art form its always been embraced for. The wait is over, and finally the rewards for continuing to keep the faith shall now be realized.