Trick or Treat: Rabbits’ Hill Pt. 2

Italian power metal band Trick or Treat is back with a new album, their fourth overall, titled Rabbits’ Hill Pt. 2. It’s the second volume in their conceptual series based on the classic book Watership Down. The band once again enlisted some guest singers to join regular vocalist (and now Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody frontman) Alessandro Conti. Rabbits’ Hill Pt. 2 features Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica), Sara Squadrani (Ancient Bards) and Tim “Ripper” Owens (Charred Walls of the Damned, ex-Judas Priest), and DGM’s Simone Mularoni is on board as producer.

Trick or Treat started out as a Helloween tribute band, and their overall approach to power metal still mirrors the classic Helloween sound, with high speed, galloping guitars, catchy melodies and soaring vocals. Rabbits’ Hill Pt. 2 being a concept album though, that classic power metal sound is paired with a heavy emphasis on symphonic elements and rousing vocal choirs. There’s very obviously a story being told here, and for once it’s not about swords and dragons.

As tight as the musicianship is here, it’s the vocals that really steal the show. Tony Kakko and Tim Owens don’t usually take a backseat to anyone, but Alessandro Conti’s vocals simply dominate this album. There are times when you’d swear you were listening to Michael Kiske singing. Conti has power to spare, and a truly impressive range. Owens’ sinister, snarling performance on “They Must Die” is electric as well.

Like most concept albums, Rabbits’ Hill Pt. 2 works best as a complete listening experience. It does have some standout tracks though. “The Greatest Escape,” “United” and “Cloudrider” have a very satisfying blend of melody and heaviness, and of course the nearly 11-minute “The Showdown” is a great example of how brilliantly the songwriting, arrangements, production and performances all come together on this album.

This is better than any album about rabbits has a right to be. Trick or Treat has moved (mostly) under the radar since starting out. is the album that should change that. The band has delivered an album that is sure to win over the many new fans that their new deal with the Frontiers label will ensure they reach. It’s a must have for fans of the classic Helloween style, and one of the better power metal albums you’ll hear all year.

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