Flame On!
Never has an album been more appropriately named (certainly this year anyway). The economic world is, let's face it, dying on is arse. Currently in meltdown we probably await a Blade Runner type existence. None more so than the Greek economy. Over €300bn is owed (Id like to be the bloke who is owed this money) and the debt is now classed as ''junk'' which means that it is classed as a highly risky place to invest, here endeth the first and final economic lesson.
Enough of the above. I say to your typical Metal fan, invest in 'Days Of Defiance'. Its Firewind's own mission to try to bring the Greek economy off its knees. Buying 'DoD' is a more enjoyable experience than supporting the feta cheese or olive oil industry put together.
Not that it was ever in doubt, but retaining a certain Mr Gus G has been the best news ever. I was convinced they would crawl under the nearest rock to die once it was announced that he was to be the new slinger for Rock God Ozzy. Thankfully they haven't, and the outcome is probably the leanest, meanest Firewind album to date. Plus think of all the new fans Gus G will bring into the Firewind fold. It can only be a very bright future
'The Premonition' was a very solid album, and was also a very polished affair. Gone is this polish in favour of this heavier, edgier and angrier sound. This hits you from the off with opening track 'The Ark of Lies'. An acoustic brief intro, before G's insane fretwork and Apollo's screeching vocals kick in. Couple this with new drummer Michael Ehre's double bass finery and its a superb start to 'DoD' which is Power Metal Mayhem with Neo Classicism thrown in for good measure. If good chunky riffs are your thing then 'World on Fire' is right up your alley. Apollo's voice can be a bit 'Whooooooaaaa' which is my only criticism of his vocal style.
'SKG' shows off the intricate and excellent interplay between Gus G and Katsionis, and excellent instrumental neo-classical piece. 'Chariot' will be a staple on their live circuit full of crowd sing-a-long and plenty of fist pumping. 'Broken' could do well but it left me a bit cold and detracted from the rest of the good stuff. 'Cold As Ice' isn't a Foreigner cover (Damn) but has a catchy Euro-chorus and reminds me of an MSG (Rock Will Never Die era) track. All in all its typical Firewind fare, great big riffs, powerful and tight as a nut rhythm and Papathanasio's now trademark Firewind vocals. It could easily be seen as Allegiance Pt 3, but in essence 'DoD' is much better than that. It's not the best Power Euro Metal album you'll hear this year, but its the most consistent and decent album that Firewind have turned out so far.
Exisiting fans will love it, and Gus G's new tenure with Ozzy will hopefully bring in new listeners which is never a bad thing. Go purchase and sing your little power metal pants off, fellow Firewind minions.