German heavy metal power act STORMHUNTER have been knocking around the heavy metal scene in their native country of Germany since 1998, however due to line up changes and the band’s founder STEFAN who was their primary guitarist left in 2002. After a few years, STEFAN felt this was the perfect time to revive the band in 2007, after this the band had lots in store starting with their self-titled album in 2009, followed up by their sophomore album titled CRIME AND PUNISHMENT two years later in 2011 and their third album had arrived in 2014 titled AN EYE FOR AN I. The band of course now including STEFAN who was the founding member, features new members, as the lineup changed along the way through the albums mentioned already.

So the line up since their third album hasn’t actually changed as STEFAN MÜLLER has returned to his lead guitar role, FRANK URSCHLER is now on vocals with BURKHARD ULRICH accompanying on second guitar parts, FRITZ on bass guitar duties and ANDREAS KIECHIE on drums. So after a couple of album releases, the band took all the time they needed to prepare themselves for what came next for them in their journey as two EP releases came in 2020 with READY FOR BOARDING and 2022 with STRANGLE WITH CARE. So now that the band were ready to proceed with bringing new music, they came to releasing their fourth studio album titled BEST BEFORE: DEATH as this brings eleven new tracks for their listeners.

“Morituri Te Salutant” opens up the new album as we hear melodic but heavy metal guitar riffs, drums and bass guitar also accompanying well before vocals come into the picture. “Reaper” comes as drums are hammering away on this track as vocals make themselves well known as guitar riffs are blistering in a high end pitch/tone, this is lowered in pitch through the verse sections of this track. Lead guitar sets some great examples of true musicianship and drums as well as bass guitar follow in their footsteps, as there is a long instrumental section to take us into the next track. “Altar of Illusions” is up next as we hear electrifying guitar riffs at a slow tempo to start with, then off we go into a burst of heavy metal hardcore bliss.

Bass guitar can be heard with drums going into a stampede, as lead guitar picks notes along the way and vocals will join in at the more appropriate time in this track. Vocals become more dominant and heard more in the second half of this track, but lead guitar still has their opportunity to lead the way through. “Nightmare” we hear groovy and rhythmic guitar riffs, as vocals, bass guitar and drums all come together to produce such greatness and all round talent from each individual instrument. As there is certainly a glam rock and 80’s influence to this band in their sound, pointing towards very positive vibes, even the inclusion of another instrumental solo section makes it all that much more appealing.

Not much more can be said of this track so onwards into the next track which is “Fallen Angel” comes with a fascinating guitar riff that is somewhat distorted a little and has drums coming in also at a slowed down tempo. There is an emphasis on certainly lyrics as well as the song title, as we come to a long extended instrumental section once more as we hear the high end lead guitar riffs sailing this track onwards. Vocals do make their come back, as we can go onto the next track which is “Death”, as we hear whisperings from the previous track, to a short drum roll to ignite the next track into life. A real punchy pattern from drums, with lead guitar also driving the momentum here before vocals come in, vocals sound so soothing and clean as the vocalist tends not to get too loud.

The tempo and tone doesn’t change too much along the way nor does it deviate from its course of action, solo parts by lead guitar and drums certainly makes this track even more deadlier. Drums also includes a marching theme to it’s palette of patterns, then vocals return once more the shadows as we approach the next track which is “Empty Shell”, as we hear guitar notes ringing out at a mid range tone as drums roll into the audio spectrum. Then lead guitar let themselves loose, cranking up the volume and tempo of the track as drums match the guitars motivation for wild heavy metal mania including cymbal hits on cue. A faster and more upbeat tempo, allows vocals also to take the next step up also for leading the band from the front of the audio spectrum.

The closing outro has drums exiting the sound field leaving lead guitar by itself but ending on a positive note as we head on into the next track which is “Vagabond”. Lead guitar, bass guitar and drums are in pretty quickly, with a moderately set tempo as lead guitar has a short solo riff, cymbal hits also being included and then vocals come in afterwards. Another instrumental section is in without vocals, then they return, as they do come and go as vocals please, some phrases by lead guitar are repeated as well as picking notes at a higher pitch. Lead guitar and drums especially go a long way to impress the listener, with some fast and fighting fury before we enter the next track which is “Berceau De L’Enfer”.

Lead guitar and drums open this track as we hear some cool and heavy metal riffs by lead guitar as well as refreshing drums as the tempo is kept at a similar pace from before. Some very lovely transitions in between each section, as we have an instrumental intro, then vocals do join in with a high end tweak, then back to lead guitar bringing the group into some tasty solo parts by drums and guitar. All systems go until a sudden drop from all instruments aside from guitar and vocals, in the distance which can both be heard, so into the next track we go which is “War Is Peace”. A cranking noise of childlike toys being played, then into the track we go with lead guitar, bass and drums all in action so far.

Vocals do come in soon enough, the entire band are on the run, fast and quick like a flash before our eyes, drums do well to compliment the guitar and the vocals also. The chase is on for there is no stopping or catching this band out in such a frenzied attack of true heavy metal at its finest, where can the band go from here we ask. Well the rest of the track certainly answers this question, as we hear stupendous drum patterns, glorious guitar riffs and satisfying vocal lines, the toy sound we heard at the start closes this track. “A Morning In August” as guitar opens this final track of the album as it’s a short enough track to give this album a good send off, only guitar seems to play throughout.

So after this, we can only look back now. There were certainly a lot of positives to take from this album, I can say that this heavy metal act is wonderful to listen to, they don’t over exceed their limitations. There is a great and well balanced comfort between each instrument and they all have their own regions of where they can simply play in a flamboyant manner, without worrying too much of stepping over each other's toes with the other instruments. I can only but recommend these guys if you are into genuine heavy metal, this band certainly echoes the likes of BLIND GUARDIAN, RUNNING WILD and MYSTIC PROPHECY, so if any of these bands are familiar to you, check out STORMHUNTER, they are a great band for sure.