FLAMES hailing from Athens, Greece were formed in 1984. They started as Speed Metal band and developed later into a Death/Thrash Metal outfit. They released two EPs and seven full-length albums so far. Their album number eight "Frequency Of Illusion" was mixed and mastered by David Prudent (FATALISM; INSANITER; NERGAL). The album has a length of about 38 minutes, and it was released via Romanian Metal label Sleaszy Rider Records. The album has a fast start with the track "Hunter". The guitar riffing is tight, and the basslines are crunching. The vocals are harsh and vary around the medium end of the vocal range with some tonal shifts towards higher pitched notes and occasional screams. The track has a lot of traditional Speed Metal vibes in the sense of a fast Heavy Metal track. It is a good start to the album. "Illusion" starts with a guitar-driven pre-lude, introducing the main melody of the track at a measured tempo. The intro transitions into a fast verse part with devastating guitar riffs and chilling melodies. The vocals include higher pitched notes and are very aggressive. The break slows gradually down to a measured tempo to introduce the contributing lead guitar solo. The solo comes with a shift in tempo back to the crazy speed of the track.

"Illusion" is an early album highlight. "Lightbringer" does not only maintain the tempo of the previous track, it raises the heat and tempo. The guitar riffing is tight and playful. While verse and chorus parts are frantic and insane, the break switches to mid-tempo with powerful guitar riffing accompanied by double-bass drumming. However, the following lead guitar solo is played at crazy speed. After all the chaos of "Lightbringer", "Thrashin' Beer" is more of a fun song in the best tradition of any good TANKARD song. It is a fast song with very simple and direct guitar riffing and anthemic chorus parts. The track is clearly a party song and an album highlight. "The Great Deceiver" is a switch in sound towards of a more melodic approach. It is a mid-tempo track with powerful guitar riffs supported by plenty of double-bass drumming and dark but catchy melodies. The chorus parts follow the verse parts seamlessly with a subtle change in rhythm driven by the blast-beats. Towards the end, the track becomes faster for a fading out. "The Great Deceiver" was released as video, and the YouTube link is provided below. "Break The Chains" starts with a guitar-driven intro at a measured tempo and a stomping rhythm, transitioning into a Thrash Metal track blisteringly fast. The guitar riffing is tight and there is plenty of double-bass supporting chaotic verse and chorus parts. There are a few twists and turns in tempo and rhythm as the break approaches at a measured tempo with thunderous guitar riffing. However, for the lead guitar solo, the track becomes frantic again.

"The Arsonist" is introduced with a few Folk vibes in the melodies of the guitar pre-lude, leading into a verse part at mid-tempo. The guitar riffing is playful and delivers catchy melodies. The chorus parts are supported by double-bass drumming. Highlight of the track is the extended and contributing lead guitar solo. "Drag You Down" is a mid-tempo track with a few twists and turns in tempo and rhythm. The guitar riffing is tight, and the basslines are crushing. The short break is a headbanger with powerful guitar riffs. The lead guitar solo follows near the end of the track. "Ornea" is introduced by powerful and catchy guitar riffs at a measured tempo and a headbanging rhythm for the verse parts. The basslines are, once again, very prominent throughout the track. The choruses are short and almost sing-alongs. The break includes another cool lead guitar solo. The track is delivered at one tempo and rhythm. "Epic" is a track coming with plenty of Thrash Metal vibes. It is a fast one with tight guitar riffing and a lot of double-bass drumming. While the verse parts are at crazy speed, the choruses slow slightly down to mid-tempo with powerful guitar riffs. The break seamlessly transitions to a fast delivery with a contributing lead guitar solo at its heart. The album finishes with the bonus track "Dressed In Black Suede" and it maintains the pace of the previous track. Introduced by strong basslines and a short lead guitar solo, the track is led into a fast verse part with tight guitar riffs. The bridge and the chorus keep pace with more thunderous guitar riffs. The break includes an extended lead guitar solo, and it is played at insane pace. "Dressed In Black Suede" is another album highlight and a very good way to end the album.

FLAMES deliver a promising album. "Frequency Of Illusion" is a good mixture of Speed and Thrash Metal. The album has a lot of pace and it is well-balanced across and within the tracks. Highlights are both the guitar riffing and the solos. The album is well produced. Fans of traditional Speed and Thrash Metal will like the songs of "Frequency Of Illusion".