Firewind - Days of Defiance

The first time you hear Firewind’s brand new album “Days of Defiance” you notice how catchy it is from track 1 to track 13. The second time you hear it you notice how you remembered songs from the first time and you feel sad when it’s over. So you decide to hear a third time. That’s when you realize you’ll be listening to this album A LOT for A LONG time.

Greek metalers Firewind have done a very thorough work so that every track feels different without ruining the album’s identity as a whole; therefore the term “Power Metal” seems kind of poor if you want to categorize it. There are songs that are definitely power metal but they don’t feel like somebody ripped-off Helloween or Stratovarius again. There are songs that seem traditional heavy-ish but don’t sound outdated and there are songs that sound modern and complex without confusing the listener as an actual progressive song probably could.

One thing I deeply enjoyed is the merciless storm of riffs on every song. Seriously, the guitarists must’ve been psyched or something! There are so many powerful and memorable riffs, so much shredding and wild screaming solos that guitar loving people will most likely get addicted to the album. Of course the awesomeness doesn’t end on the guitars: The drums sound incredible, the bass is clear and noticeable and the keyboards give nice atmospheric moments or solo additions. Apollo Papathanasio’s vocals are very powerful and I must say, It is always a nice change to hear a more bass voice in power metal songs. 

Bottom line: Left click on the lower left corner of your screen, select turn-off computer and march to the nearest record store to get this album. It is worth it.

Manos “M for Metal” Alibertis