Recently signed to Magick Records (a division of Cleopatra Records) in the US and Century Media in Brazil, are the Greek melodic power metal band, Firewind. Forged By Fire is their 3rd overall release, and a very interesting one at that. Firewind consists of lead vocalist Chity Somapala, keyboardist Bob Katsionis, lead guitarist Gus G. (current Nightrage, ex-Dream Evil), bass guitarist Petros Christo, and drummer Stian Kristoffersen.
The CD starts off with "Kill To Live", a song I probably would not have chosen to start a CD with, as the lead guitar starts off with some cheesy distortion tricks, and at times the vocals sound a bit bland and uninspiring. Upon further listen, however, I was impressed with lead guitarist Gus G's shredding in between the verses. "Beware The Beast" continues with the bland vocals, and the song itself seems to not be going in any particular direction, as the chorus does not seem to relate to the verses. The next song, "Tyranny" does offer a glimmer of hope, with its driving power metal rhythm and finally, some good vocal harmonies. "The Forgotten Memory" is interesting in that the verses contain some very powerful driving rhythms, while the chorus slows to a ballad pace. Unfortunately, the song ends too soon, before Firewind can make the various sections relate to each other. "Hate World Hero" and "Escape From Tomorrow" seem to have too much of a hair metal feel to them, as the back and forth slow to fast pacing continues. In "Feast Of The Savages", we finally get to hear some all out shredding, some good melodic guitar playing, and some keyboards in the background of the only instrumental on the CD. Marty Friedman of Megadeth lends his guitar playing skill to this one.
Throughout Forged By Fire, one might notice a pattern; good to sometimes very good rhythm guitar, some very good lead guitar, sometimes too mellow for its own good, some uninspiring choruses and vocal melodies, and most of all, lyrics that don't relate very well throughout the songs. "Burn In Hell" continues along that theme, although "Perished In Flames" picks up the pace midway through and seems like an improvement. "Land Of Eternity" finishes things off with some very melodic guitar, playing the part of power ballad once again.
Overall, this is a so-so effort by a band that does indeed have potential. The sound quality and production are good, having mixed the CD in the same studio used by bands such as Hammerfall, In Flames, & Opeth. The problem is that Firewind sounds a little too much like a conglomeration of too many other bands, and have not forged enough of an identity of their own. I believe that if they work on that, as well as some improvement on the lyrics and vocal harmonies, they can get closer to being a leader in the European metal world.
Track Listing
1. Kill To Live
2. Beware The Beast
3. Tyranny
4. The Forgotten Memory
5. Hate World Hero
6. Escape From Tomorrow
7. Feast Of The Savages
8. Burn In Hell
9. Perished In Flames
10. Land Of Eternity
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