I have a distinct contender for album of the year. Absolutely stunning.

Brighton-based Furyon debuted with the awesome 'Gravitas' album in 2010, initially self-released but subsequently issued via Frontiers in 2012. It garnered an impressive reputation, assisted by associations with Metal Hammer and Classic Rock magazines, yet distribution complications prevented the album from amassing the sales figures it deserved. 2015 sees a new partnership with Dream and Cargo Records for the delivery of sophomore effort 'Lost Salvation', with acclaimed producer Rick Beato once again behind the mixing desk. Is there a "difficult second album syndrome"? Not a chance...

Still consisting of the trio of Matt Mitchell (vocals), Lee Farmery (drums) and Alex "Nickel" Bowen (bass), original guitarist Chris Green (now with Tyketto and Rubicon Cross) left the band in 2013 but subsequently returned to the fold temporarily to co-write and record the album and has now been permanently replaced by newcomers Luca Faraone and Tiago Rosado. I've never made a secret of the fact I believe Green is the best guitarist on the planet and his contribution to '...Salvation' is nothing short of mesmerising, with some amazing riff-work and jaw-dropping solos, but I am looking forward to hearing how his replacements will interpret his style in a live setting. Mitchell has developed a stunning vocal range, from a deep bellow to a higher-pitched screaming style, a far cry from the laid-back breathy style he employed back in the days of Pride, while the Bowen/Farmery rhythm section is a joy to behold.

A Furyon album is not a quick fix, something vocalist Mitchell attests to, but the rewards for the commitment required are oh so rewarding. Being Britain's answer to Alter Bridge, they present a grooving Contemporary Metal style that incorporates elements of Prog and Grunge, with choruses that don't instantly jump out at you but creep up and assault you when least expected. The eight-minute epics that were a highlight of 'Gravitas' have been renounced in favour of shorter, more concise numbers – only the grinding Grunge of 'Scapegoat' passes the six-minute mark. 'Lost Salvation', 'Good Sky' and 'Wiseman' leap out with their higher tempos, while the more introspective 'All That I Have', 'These Four Walls', 'Resurrect Me', 'Left It With The Gods' and 'Dematerialize' represent the band's more groove-orientated output.

Furyon are not the type of band that I usually listen to, but there's something I find so irresistible about them. Not only are they extremely talented, they're also a bunch of top geezers who will melt your face off while on stage but then have a pint with you in the bar afterwards... as long as you're paying of course. Even at this early stage of the year I have a distinct contender for album of the year. Absolutely stunning.

Ant Heeks