Firewind - Allegiance

Another release assigned to our recently departed colleague for me to review. The Greeks of Firewind create melodic metal, something I work a very little bit with. So let’s see what their Allegiance has to offer us.

I must say that this stuff is good. Damn good. And if there were different vocals and no keyboards I would play this over and over again. But what comprises their melodic metal? Well, hard rock and heavy/thrashy metal attacks comprised of excellent guitar work and keen drumming are the foundation. Add very good hard rock/heavy metal singing and atmospheric keyboards and you’ve got Firewind. Although, not all the melodic parts are that great. In the song structures the choruses tend to be a little cheesy and cliché.

 

Now for some background information; there was a line-up change since the last album, namely drummer Mark Cross (ex-Helloween, ex-Metalium) joined the ranks as well as vocalist Apollo Papathanasio (ex-Majestic, Time Requiem). But to make it really interesting, founding guitarist Gus G. has a very impressive heavy metal history, considering his young age. He plays in Mystic Prophecy, Dream Evil and Nightrage and he acted as a touring guitarist for Arch Enemy on the giant Ozzfest trek. Applaud this man!

 

As you can see this is an impressive and musically very good release. Add a good production, a duet with Swedish singer/songwriter Tara and you can pull on your tight leather jeans and rock those curly hairs all night long! Metaaaaaaaaaaaal!!!