Emotional Fire are a female fronted Melodic Rock band from Sweden.They were formed in 2022 by Ron and Nina Dahlgren (Gathering Of Kings).The duo have very strong ties to the Swedish rock scene.The band have had a few lineup changes in their short history,with a significant line-up change in early 2025 preparing for the release of the debut album.In 2023 with Emotional Fire released "Will You Be There" a four track EP which originally featured an all female line-up.Emotional Fire focus on Melodic Rock featuring strong vocals,crunching guitars with a classic AOR feel."Rise" was produced by Linnea Waljestål,with executive producers Ron and Nina Dahlgren.Mixed and mastered by Thomas Plec Johansson (Nestor, The Night Flight Orchestra, Gathering Of Kings, Perfect Plan) .2026 live dates include Wings Of AOR Festival in April,also Malmo Melodic in July,both in their home country of Sweden.

"Rising" opens with a flourish of bright and prominent keyboards with "Like A Phoenix" which is a punchy AOR track,with some strong vocals,great melodies with neat guitar solos,a track full of positivity."Turn Around And Walk Away" is another effortless,flowing number with Therés delivering some great vocals,the chorus is a huge harmonic affair which sounds anthemic & wonderous."Neon Glow" is a duet featuring Robin McAuley (MSG,Grand Prix and Black Swan) which has nostalgic touches,the lush keys,guitars & rhythm and definitely in the chorus remind me of great 80's bands such as Heart & Vixen,this would have been a huge hit in the 80's, a superb track."Fire In Your Eyes" is a perfectly polished AOR power ballad,which build in the verses & bridge,before the chorus soars with power,the guitar touches have great melodic qualities and man the vocals are incredible,another well delivered number.A first of three re-recordings "I Want You Here With Me" is laden with keyboards,with big harmonies in the chorus."The Beast In Me" is a cover track of a Bonnie Pointer (Pointer Sisters) number which featured on the1985 film Heavenly Bodies soundtrack,which is a great pop/rock cover,"Don't Lose Yourself" is an upbeat,feel good rocker,laced with more bright keyboards which has a 80's AOR feel which echoes the sound of Journey."What's This Life" has an edgier feel,the riffing is more prominent,the vocals have attitude,the rhythm is stronger."Be With You" is another super anthemic,melodic track with impeccable guitar work,again fantastic vocals and harmonies,it really sounds like a number from Vixens debut album,another killer track."Somebody" flows with a mid tempo paced gallop,the bass & drum work the backbone of the track,an instantly punchy,catchy track."Will You Be There" is the last track of the album,another new version,their first single which I loved instantly the first time I heard it,its nostalgic,its a great catchy 80's AOR number which is melodic gold.

I am so privileged to get to review this album,finally Emotional Fire release their debut album and boy it was worth the wait! "Rise" is a fantastic debut album which is delivered both vocally and musically superb from start to finish.The production is impeccable,polished & flawless.This is a phenomenal debut album which is and will be one of my albums of the year.If you are a AOR/Melodic Rock fan,this album is an essential must for 2026.Absolutely brilliant debut! "Rise" is released on 30th January independently via RN Records.