Who said Iron Maiden were dead? Not these guys, that's for sure...
This is a release packed full of little curiosities. There's the neat artwork that looks like a Derek Hess re-imagining of Leonardo's Vitruvian Man, the layout and design that's handled by Pants Pantsley (what a name!), and the fact that they apparently sound a bit like a hardcore Iron Maiden. Intriguing to say the very least.
This is the debut full-length from the Cleveland quintet; a surprising fact considering that the band formed in November 2005. Such a constipated output seems to suggest that the band have either suffered from writers block, lethargic disinterest or internal complications. It turns out that the latter is true, with Above This Fire getting through a "revolving door" turnover of members before reaching the current line-up, which has persisted since 2003. This stability immediately bore fruit, resulting in the release of their first EP that very same year; their only release to date.
Whilst the Maiden influence does periodically surface (albeit updated with some pounding double-bass hits), throughout 'In Perspective', such as with the squealing 80's harmonics of 'The Deceiver Within', most of the album is old-school-inspired metallic hardcore in the same vein as Snapcase and Boy Sets Fire. They strike just the right balance of technicality and listenability, and even throw in the odd chant-chorus here and there – what more could a hardcore kid ask for?
It may not be the most original kid on the block, but Above This Fire go about their business with a reassuring competency, and a resolute passion that makes this well worth a listen.