Like most of their Persian brethren, Ahoora have had no choice but to independently record and produce their album -- a result of residing in a country where even power metal (never mind the unsubtle Satanic overtures of black metal) is considered to be an affront to hard-line Islamic values, causing them to face obstacles the average Finnish or German band does not even contemplate.

Despite this, Ahoora have clearly done the best they can under trying circumstances to produce a self-titled debut of melodic power metal, not too far removed from the likes of Iced Earth -- whom they unsurprisingly cite as an influence, alongside Iron Maiden. Ahoora have clearly spent a lot of time honing their sound, both individually and as a unit, resulting in a coherent and tight album. However, they would have benefited from an improved production, which would have provided a much needed bite to their sound.