Greek melodic power metallers Firewind are set to release their 8th studio album Immortals on January 20th! The band’s guitarist and mastermind Gus G (also guitarist to the legendary Ozzy Osbourne) says of the album; “our new album “Immortals” is a concept and focusing on the battles of Thermopylae and Salamis.” We got our hands (or ears if you want to be technical) on the record for a listen.
Opening track Hands of Time hits you right in the face with a monster riff and drum combo. Frontman Henning Basse’s rough vocals compliment the melodic metal well. The vocal range really creates a storytelling vibe. There’s a whiskey soaked guitar solo in the third minute of the track. Latest single Ode To Leonidas begins in a slow acoustic feel and the vocals begin with a monologue before the guitars kick in for an instrumental backed by a strong drum beat. The electronic start to Back on the Throne adds a bit of a shake-up but normal service is resumed. Again the vocals are powerful, as they are throughout the record.
Live and Die By The Sword is my favourite track on the record because it has a more powerful opening that, being slower and different from its predecessors, recaptures your attention. It feels like a true metal song. Title track Immortals kicks off with a great instrumental before some atmospheric “aahs” can be heard over the top. The drums are very prominent in this. The instrumental track stops and then it seems that Warriors and Saints picks up where it leaves off.
The guitar solos throughout the album are just insane! At times, it seems quite samey and predictable, like you’ll know that there’s going to be a massive guitar solo and riff throughout but then this is also common in the majority of power metal records around. I really enjoy how the vocals fit in with the melody and Basse’s vocals are quite unique and attention grabbing. This is a record that you will love if you’re a metalhead or just love a face-melting guitar riff or two.