Firewind
The Premonition
Century


Firewind can be caused by eating too much Mexican food. Firewind is also a power metal band from Greece. 'The Premonition' is their fifth album and I have to say that, slightly mirthful name notwithstanding, it is by no means a flatulent release.

Produced by Fredrik Norstšm, better known for working with death metal bands like In Flames, Opeth and Dimmu Borgir, 'The Premonition' is a big, bold and heavy album. Keyboards take a back seat while the guitars are way up in the mix, with plenty of chunky riffs to complement some blazing and tasteful solos. Fortunately guitarist Gus G understands the value of brevity and does not allow things to deteriorate into wanky self-indulgence. The splendidly-named Apollo Papathanasio is a terrific singer with a powerful and at times gritty voice.

The storming, stirring opener Into The Fire sets the scene and the momentum really doesn't slip thereafter. Head Up High is another big anthem whose rousing chorus is reminiscent of Vanishing Point. Mercenary Man has a Celtic feel which at times recalls Gary Moore circa 'Wild Frontiers'. The mellow My Loneliness is about as close as things come to a ballad. The Circle Of Life and Remembered highlight the band's uncanny ability to come up with great melodies and hooks that you can't get out of your head.

And so it goes, until towards the end we reach the one real blemish. One of those ill-advised cover version appears in the form of a dire version of Maniac, from the Eighties film 'Flashdance'. Maybe it's a tribute to the lovely Jennifer Beales or some form of cruel joke. Either way it is a bewildering inclusion, particularly when their own material is so strong.

Nevertheless, 'The Premonition' remains one of the best albums of this ilk I have heard in recent times. Power metal pretenders prepare to be blown away by a mighty gust of Firewind!

James McKenzie