Album Review: Firewind - Firewind

The story of Firewind is one that doesn't have many high points. They started out as a generic power metal band, then they had a short stint where they did something more interesting (and increased their profile at the same time), and then they have gone back to being thoroughly generic. They are on their fourth singer, and the writing team in recent times is the same group responsible for Gus G's solo career, which means it's all sort of one big stew of mediocrity. I'd go so far as to say that if Gus hadn't spent that time as Ozzy's guitarist, even though he never accomplished anything with him, Firewind would be forgotten by now.

But enough people remember Gus's name that Firewind is still kicking, now with Herbie Langhans as their singer, that they are back for another album. If you don't recognize that name, you're not alone. He's a suitably anonymous singer for a band that doesn't have much personality. From Gus's chugging riffs, to the lackluster melodies, Firewind is the personification of generic power metal.

When they were at their best, which was "The Premonition", Firewind was a blend of power metal and hard rock, with big hooks and gritty vocals. Both before and after, they are too clean, too easily forgettable. Gus doesn't write riffs that have memorable qualities to them. He chugs notes that sound fine, but could never be hummed. That makes them go in one ear and out the other. His solos are the only aspect of his playing that has any flare, but if you're judging songs on the solos, you're admitting to the failure already.

Gus's unremarkable song construction means the vocals are responsible for everything that will stick in your head. That puts a lot of pressure on Herbie, and whoever is responsible for writing the melodies (it isn't specified in the press release I got sent), to make these songs stand out. Much like the last album, and Gus' solo outing, which were written with producer Dennis Ward, these melodies are neither grand nor poppy enough to pique my interest. Herbie is trying hard, actually too hard, but the songs just aren't there. And that's without getting to details like how the machine-gun riff after the chorus of "Devour" is a straight rip-off from a song off "The Premonition". It was bad enough when "Mercenary Man" was ripped-off by British Lion earlier in the year, but now Gus is recycling his own ideas.

I'm giving a slightly wrong impression here. There's nothing wrong with this record, other than the lack of creativity in naming your ninth album after your band. If you like the typical power metal sound, this is well-executed for the style. Myself, I'm not excited by what I've already heard so many times before. Other than Gus playing more notes than a lot of other power metal guitarists in his solos, there isn't anything to separate this record from countless others. It will please those who are happy with some comfort food, but not those who are looking for a new experience.

Herbie might be best known (he is to me) for his guest appearance with Avantasia. That's a perfect illustration of what I'm talking about. Tobi writes songs that span many sounds, that have strong musical motifs, and instantly memorable choruses. None of that describes Firewind. There are some moments where they come close to getting there, but it never really arrives. "Firewind" isn't so much a new chapter in the story as it is a reboot. And like all reboots, it starts from a point of intentional copying that never allows it to become its own thing. "Firewind" is meant to sound like Firewind, and it does. Is that enough for you?