Artist: Firebrand Super Rock 
   Title: Firebrand Super Rock
   Label: Rising Records

These guys are a four piece from Edinburgh and use a female vocal lead.  They play traditional heavy metal (what is traditional one asks?) and have just had their debut album re-released world wide. 

On first impressions, they remind me of Iron Maiden with crazy screaming over the top.  This doesn't detract from their playability, in fact it enhances it and is reminiscent of 80s metal, always a good thing for those who ever really had the opportunity to hear it first time round. 

Now, onto the album. Jamie is an amazing guitarist, utilising as many of the frets as he possibly can to create some powerful and skillfully executed guitar solos.  The vocal is extremely different, either echoing or screaming, with the various band members all joining in at one point or another.  Laura's immense range only enhances the backing, each part using a different octave to increase the range used, and showing off her talented voice. 

A current favourite track is 'Into the Black', sounding similar to Dragonforce but without the insanity of the speediest guitar in the world.  Each song on the album is well put together, and uses the different skills of each member, allowing a showcase for each on their debut.  'Wheel of Pain' is VERY reminiscent of 'Run to the Hills', but this similarity is threaded through the guitar work and shows their skill and ingenuity. 

Although there are considerable influences worked within the music, this is still an original and very enjoyable album and is a definitive neck-snapper, pushing back metal to the 80s but with a welcome 21st century twist.

Review by: Kerry H
 Tracklisting:

1. River Of The Dead
2. Into The Black
3. Wheel Of Pain
4. Iron Void
5. The Unborn
6. Hells Mouth
7. Beneath The Nameless City
8. Falling Down
9. Born To Die
10. Cleansed By Fire

                   

 

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