Induction – ‘Love Kills!’

(Reigning Phoenix)

If you’ve been anywhere near the modern power metal scene over the last few years, you’ll know that Induction have been quietly sharpening their blades. But with Love Kills! they’re not quiet anymore. This is a record that bursts through the door, flicks its hair back in slow motion, and dares you not to look. So, grab your leather jacket, pour something strong, and let’s get into this one.

Right from the opening moments, Love Kills! sets a tone that feels both nostalgic and fresh. There’s a glossy, neon-lit sheen to the production that leans hard into that late-80s, early-90s melodic metal aesthetic, but it never sounds dated. Instead, it feels like Induction have taken that era’s spirit and injected it with modern muscle. The guitars are big, bold, and unapologetically melodic, the drums hit with precision and weight, and the overall mix gives every element space to breathe. This is power metal that wants to be catchy, dramatic, and emotionally charged all at once.

One of the biggest strengths of this album is its commitment to hooks. This is not a band trying to impress you with endless shredding or technical gymnastics. Yes, the musicianship is strong, but the focus here is always the song. Choruses arrive fast and stick around long after the track ends. You’ll find yourself humming them in the shower, on the bus, or walking down the street feeling like the main character in your own music video. That’s not an accident. Induction clearly understand that great melodic metal lives and dies by its ability to make you feel something instantly.

The title track, ‘Love Kills’ is a perfect example of this philosophy. It’s dramatic, theatrical, and just the right amount of over-the-top. There’s a sense of emotional urgency that carries through the whole song, driven by a soaring vocal performance and a chorus that feels tailor-made for festival crowds. You can practically hear the audience singing it back, fists in the air, lights blazing. It’s theatrical without becoming cheesy, which is a fine line, and Induction walk it well.

Vocally, the album is one of the band’s strongest statements yet. Gabrielle Gozzi’s singing here is confident, expressive, and versatile. There’s a balance between power and vulnerability that gives the songs emotional depth. When the material calls for grandeur, the vocals soar. When it demands something more intimate, the delivery pulls back just enough to create contrast. This dynamic range helps the album avoid the monotony that sometimes plagues modern power metal.

The guitar work of Tim Hansen and Justus Sahlman across the record deserves special mention. The riffs are punchy and memorable, often built around rhythmic drive rather than complexity. Leads and solos, meanwhile, are melodic and purposeful. They serve the songs rather than hijacking them. There are moments of flash, sure, but they’re placed carefully. Instead of trying to overwhelm the listener, the band uses these moments as emotional peaks. It’s a refreshing approach in a genre that can sometimes feel like a technical arms race.

Another standout aspect is the album’s pacing. Love Kills! rarely drags, and it knows when to shift gears. There are high-energy anthems, mid-tempo groove-driven tracks, and more atmospheric moments that give the listener time to breathe. This variety keeps the experience engaging from start to finish. The band understands that intensity means more when it’s contrasted with restraint.

Lyrically, the record leans into themes of love, loss, passion, and emotional conflict, but with a slightly darker edge than many of their peers. There’s a sense of romantic tragedy running through the album, which fits perfectly with the dramatic musical style. It’s not reinventing the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. The sincerity in the delivery sells the material. These songs feel heartfelt rather than cynical or formulaic.

‘Virtual Insanity’ – Big synth textures and a driving rhythm give this one a modern, cinematic edge. It’s hooky without being lightweight, and the chorus lands hard. A confident start that sets the album’s glossy, melodic tone.

‘War Of Hearts’ – This is where the emotional drama kicks in. It’s mid-tempo, heavy on atmosphere, and built around a massive chorus. Gozzi’s vocal performance is particularly strong here – powerful but vulnerable. One of the album’s most memorable moments.

‘Dark Temptation’ is darker, moodier, and riff-focused. The band lean into a heavier groove, and it works. There’s a real sense of tension, with a chorus that explodes after the brooding verses. Great contrast and one of the heavier cuts.

‘Steel And Thunder’ is pure power metal adrenaline. Fast, energetic, and loaded with classic influences, this one feels designed for the live stage. Big chants, big drums, and a solo that hits the sweet spot between melody and speed.

‘Strangers To Love’ is where the band slow things down slightly. It’s emotional, melodic, and full of bittersweet atmosphere. The chorus is more reflective than explosive, giving the album some much-needed breathing space.

‘Beyond Horizons’ is epic and expansive, this track brings a sense of adventure. The layered guitars and soaring vocals create a cinematic vibe. It’s uplifting and heroic, showing the band’s ability to go big without losing focus.

‘I Am Evil’ - A fun, darker detour. Slightly tongue-in-cheek, but still heavy and energetic. The riffs bite, and the vocal attitude gives it a different flavour. Not the deepest song, but definitely entertaining.

‘The Veil of Affection’ is melodic, atmospheric, and emotionally rich. This one leans into the romantic tragedy theme that runs through the album. Strong dynamics and a beautiful chorus make it a late-album highlight.

‘Empress’ – A powerful closer. Grand, dramatic, and packed with emotion, it ties everything together perfectly. The band go all-in on melody and atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression.

If there’s a criticism to be made, it’s that the album plays things relatively safe. Induction aren’t radically redefining power metal here. They’re not pushing boundaries or exploring completely new sonic territory. Instead, they’re refining and polishing a sound that fans already love. For some listeners, that might feel predictable. But for others, it’s exactly what they want: a confident, focused record that delivers on its promises.

And honestly, that’s part of the charm. Love Kills! knows what it is. It’s not trying to be avant-garde or progressive. It’s a celebration of melody, drama, and emotional intensity. It’s the kind of album you blast in the car with the windows down, the kind that makes mundane moments feel cinematic. It reminds you why you fell in love with this style of music in the first place.

By the time the closing track fades out, you’re left with the sense that Induction have taken a significant step forward. This is a band that sounds more confident, more cohesive, and more self-assured than ever. They’ve found their identity and leaned into it fully.

So, if you’re looking for a record packed with massive choruses, slick production, emotional vocals, and enough melodic firepower to light up your week, Love Kills! is well worth your time. It might not change the genre, but it absolutely reinforces why power metal continues to thrive.

And sometimes, that’s more than enough.

9/10

Essential Track – ‘Love Kills’

Review by Woody