|
Artist: Firewind |
|
|
This is my first real listen to Firewind after seeing them support at Islington Academy and being overwhelmed by the reaction the crowd gave them at that show. Guitarist Gus G is the main attraction, plenty of heavy riffing and fret-burning solos with a bit of technical detail in between. Apollo Papathanasio has a powerful voice and live, is a great frontman. Mark Cross is a powerhouse on drums, plenty of double kick and ferocious skin bashing while Petros Christo slots in nicely with Cross making a formidable rythmn section. Opening with ‘Into The Fire’, I thought I was listening to Metallica, a fast-paced song with some frantic double kick drumming and blistering guitar and keyboard solos, first highlight of the album Then we’re onto ‘Head Up High’ with a glorious guitar riff from Gus G. This is a very catchy tune, Apollo gives a great vocal performance, you can practically feel the head-banging on this one. Next up is ‘Mercenary Man’ opens up with a riff straight from the Gary Moore/Thin Lizzy songbook. Another catchy song, lots of melody and plenty rifferama from Gus G again. ‘Angels Forgive Me’ opens with Bob Katsionis on keyboards before the guitars are unleashed. I just love Apollo’s vocal on the chorus, soaring and melodic. Gus G slows the song in the bridge and solo before picking it up again, which works a treat. This leads us into ‘Remembered’, a thrash onslaught bringing to mind Anthrax and Slayer before Apollo unleashes sing-a-long-a chorus. ‘My Loneliness’ is the power ballad on the album, the guitars during the verse are very Police-like. Then it’s back to some head-banging with ‘Circle Of Life’, a very heavy riff that doesn’t really go anywhere but it’s a catchy tune so doesn’t need to. Next on the agenda is ‘The Silent Code’ and my favourite on the album. It’s all progressive power metal with Apollo showing his vocal virtuosity. Fantastic riffing from Gus G with a great melodic solo and Katsionis supplying his best work. Then it’s that cheesy tune from the 80’s, ‘Maniac’. Now the last time I heard a band cover this was in the early 90’s when Sargent Fury from Germany did this, featuring Mac, later of Threshold, on vocals. Well Firewind haven’t messed about with this, it’s all keyboards, heavy guitars and a harder vocal. The album closes with a ‘Life Foreclosed’, a dark, slow burning song that is totally different to anything else on here. Apollo puts in another excellent performance while Gus G guitar drives the chorus. Overall, Premonition is consistent throughout, there are no bad songs on here and in fact the songs grow on you with each listen. The band as a whole, are a technically proficient outfit with Gus G showing a glimpse of what he is capable of. This is a solid album and worthy of being in the collection of any fan of melodic power metal. *Review by Brassy |
|
|
Tracklisting:
|
|
|
All content copyright of The Mayfair Mall Zine unless otherwise stated. |
|