Forming in 2007, the New York City metal trio METALFIER perform an old school influenced brand of music on this 7 song self-titled album. Straddling the lines of traditional hard rock and heavy metal, I can hear strains of METALLICA, BLACK SABBATH, JUDAS PRIEST, and W.A.S.P. when taking in the mid-tempo, swash buckling "Living in the Night" or the cruising anthem "Warrior Soul".

Taking on a cover of THE CULT through "Rain" showcases a little bit more of their dirty hard rock roots, a natural for the earthy, darker drawl contained in guitarist Andrew Janda's vocal range - he will never be mistaken for a pure out and out belter, but puts a lot of grit into his phrasing and enunciation. Their mission is to transform all who listen into lifelong metal heads - evidence musically provided through the crushing "Heavy Metal Life" which wins me over through a steady riff/ rhythm combination and perfect double bass accents from drummer Adam Romanowski.

For an independent band, METALFIER will appeal most to the ardent, straightforward crowd who aren't looking for flashy lead breaks or sudden bursts of speed. I do think that the band need to vary their tempos slightly on future efforts, as dynamic contrast would do wonders for increasing their following. At this point "Metalfier" is solid but not outstanding heavy metal- and a band to keep an eye on down the line.