Fireforce March On
by Joe Mis
Staff Writer
If anyone ever creates a power metal sub-genre called “Combat Metal” Belgium’s Fireforce will be leading the charge. Until that happens, the debut full-length release from the band will have to be considered pure unadulterated power metal, with the emphasis on power. Intense, at times brutal and 100% in-your-face, March On rocks.
Fireforce was founded in late 2008 by members of Double Diamond, Self Inflicted and Grinning Ghoul. Earning an excellent reputation as a live act, Fireforce was quickly signed to a record deal after putting together their first EP. The then band went through the usual new group teething pains and personnel changes before settling into their current lineup. Writing songs with a military/war theme seems to be the band’s specialty, obviously influenced by the mighty Iron Maiden’s love of historical subjects and references.
Fronted by ex-Double Diamond vocalist Flype, Fireforce pulls no punches. Flype’s powerful growl and decent range are ideal for the band’s martial style – he sings turned up to 11 throughout the album and his enthusiasm easily overcomes any negatives in his performance. The guitar duo of Erwin Suetens (Double Diamond) and Steve Deleu (ex-Gwyllion) is a fine one, dishing out intricate and well-constructed rhythm lines with tons of energy. The bottom end is ably dished out by Metalpat on bass and Tom Heijnenon (Judas Rising, Conquistador) drums. Both are solid metal musicians and work well together as the backbone of the music. Guest guitar soloist Constantine (Mystic Prophecy) provides some amazing solos – the icing on the cake (or the gunpowder in the barrel).
The booming World War II inspired “Coastal Battery” opens the CD with true power metal brutal intensity that sets the tone for the remaining tracks. Heavy guitar riffs and big drums open “The Only Way,” carrying the energy forward. This track features some nice guitar harmonies during the main break. A moody guitar line opens “Firestorm,” which quickly becomes a true power metal guitar showcase with a brilliant solo. The band borrows a page from Iron Maiden’s Powerslave and goes back to ancient Egypt to tell the tale of “Horus (Bringer Of Order).” The historical theme continues on with the band’s account of the Flemish vs. French Battle of Courtrai (aka The Battle Of The Golden Spurs) in “1302 – Battle For Freedom.” Great drum and bass work carry this one forward. “Moonlight Lady” wraps the first half of the album with an almost early Metallica speed feel, but the vocals seem forced and the song does not really fit with the rest of the album.
Amazing guitar work opens “Annihilation,” while the vocal and drum lines of the song conjure images of old Anthrax-style speed metal. “Fly Arrow Fly (Crécy 1346)” recounts the battle-changing impact of the English longbow at the Battle of Crécy during the Hundred Years’ War, while “Mona Lisa” exposes the life and times of Leonardo da Vinci (Leo would have enjoyed the precision of the guitars). The next 2 songs are solid kick-ass pro-heavy metal anthems in varying styles – each different enough to let the band’s true talents shine. The album is wrapped up in grand style by the powerful instrumental “Metal Rages On.”
Nicely recorded and neatly engineered to bring out the best of the band, March On runs the gamut from explosive power metal to the obligatory semi-ballad. The band performs with intensity and teamwork, and sounds like they have a great time while doing so. With a strong sense of melody and structure, Fireforce rips out one solid track after the other, each one different enough to keep the listener engaged without allowing the band to fall into a rut. The only track that seems a bit out of place is “Moonlight Lady.”
March On is a truly powerful release and another strong debut in a year that has seen a number of excellent first releases. Fans of power metal or old school heavy metal (especially if they are closet history buffs) will enjoy this album, and March On will put Fireforce on the metal map to stay. These guys were truly “Born To Play Metal.”
Highly recommended!
March On will be released by 7hard Records on 25 March 2011.
Genre: Power Metal
Band:
Flype – Vocals
Erwin Suetens – Guitars
Steve Deleu – Guitars
Metalpat – Bass
Tom Heijnen – Drums
Guest musician: Constantine (guitars)
Track Listing:
1. Coastal Battery
2. The Only Way
3. Firestorm
4. Horus (Bringer Of Order)
5. 1302 – Battle For Freedom
6. Moonlight Lady
7. Annihilation
8. Fly Arrow Fly (Crécy 1346)
9. Mona Lisa
10. Hold Your Ground
11. Born To Play Metal
12. Metal Rages On
Label: 7Hard
Website: http://www.fireforce.be , http://www.myspace.com/fireforcemetal
Hardrock Haven rating: 8.5/10