In 1980 in Hamburg, Germany, a group of young lads got together and decided to start a Heavy Metal band, which they wanted to give a very robust name. they tried some things, but eventually settled on NOT FRAGILE. After a total of two demos and two splits in the first seven years they finally had their own first official release in 1988. This happened with the EP "Who Dares Wins", and it was a proper Headbanger of a record as well. The combination of traditional Heavy Metal with Speed Metal and even some Power Metal was (and still is) one that worked perfectly in the songwriting process. The band didn't last, as they split up in 1990. Everything was started up again in 1994, and for some 19 years the band just kept going. In all those years they produced seven studio albums, of which I have heard exactly none. Now, in 2025, there is a surprise release of a brand new compilation album called "One Way To Glory". I will be reviewing that one as well. But let's get back to the debut EP "Who Dares Wins". This one has been rereleased to coincide with the new album, and after having had a good listen, I'm glad that Dying Victims Productions has taken the plunge.

I have to say that as a debut you can do a lot worse than "Who Dares Wins", while at the same time it will be hard to do much better. What becomes clear is that even though this is the first official release, these musicians are well-known to each other, comfortable in making music as a band and are very apt in complementing each other while arranging their songs. It makes for a very homogenous result of very inspired, rather enthusiastic and really invigorating Speed Metal with Power and Heavy Metal outbursts. The musicianship of all four of the members is commendable, making the songs sound structured and solid. The vocals are okay as well. Nothing more, nothing less, but more importantly, very fitting for the kind of music that is on offer. I'm just wondering why on earth I didn't come across these guys in a much earlier stage, as I really like what NOT FRAGILE are doing on "Who Dares Wins". And because that is the feeling I get when listening to this EP, I can assure you that I am very much looking forward to reviewing their new album "One Way To Glory". You will find it as the one next to this one on the METAL TEMPLE site.