This is the third WINGS OF STEEL review I’ve had the sheer pleasure of writing for METAL TEMPLE. I was introduced to this old school, in-your-face heavy metal band that is a throwback of the glorious 70’s and 80’s hay day when heavy metal was a religion and a way of life for us headbangers that delivers a damn straight forward bombardment of new and fresh high octane avant-garde infused ideology. Founded by vocalist Leo Unnermark and guitarist Parker Halub in 2019. The two met while studying music in Los Angeles and have been working together ever since. The  lyrics for the most part are written based on universal reflections and speak of the balance between opposites (dark and light, good and bad, heaven and hell, life and death). They journey through various concepts and can thus be related to in multiple ways depending on how the listener wishes to interpret them. The lyrics speak of the importance of the balance between things we love and desire and of the things we are afraid to accept.

“Live in France” (self-released on December 13, 2024) is unique as it is spontaneous because it was recorded without the band knowing about it which helps capture the “now in the moment” passion from the 2024 tour. Guitarist Parker Halub explains “The eight tracks on the album are mixed to make you feel like you’re standing right in front of the stage and is as authentic of a live album as you can get.”

Wasting no time whatsoever kicking things off with “Fall in Line” is exactly what I expected with the impeccable grandeur vocals reaching out and grabbing your nut sack with a vice like grip as you immediately gasp for air before the muscular hard rocking balls out riffs explode with pure exhilaration that takes us through the meat grinder. The next two tracks take us on magical ride of two different sides of WINGS OF STEEL as “Cry of the Damned” is a full blown out onslaught of ineffable hardcore vocals and savage riffs finishing with a kick ass guitar solo while “She Cries” delivers a creeping, galloping tempo with simmering guitar fretwork and myriad of devouring riffs. “Rhythm of Desire” brings us to a whole new level of musicianship from the paralyzing riffs of Parker Halub as he brings us into a new realm of wizardry balanced by the intense, chilling vocals of Leo Unnermark with his falsetto numbing screams that can only be described as “Heavenly”. “Liar in Love” is a hard rocking, furious throwback to the metal glory days when sex, drugs and rock n roll were all that mattered.

It's obvious I am a HUGE fan of WINGS OF STEEL and I could go on forever with my praise of this magnificent band that puts their heart and soul into all musical elements, with bombastic riffs and muscular solos fueled by passionate, fiery vocals. “Live in France” delivers as advertised transporting us smack dab in front of the stage with horns up.