Bonfire who have been together nearly 40 years in one shape or form are still lead by founding member Hans Ziller. Since the debut album “Don't Touch The Light” way back in 1986,”Higher Ground” will be their nineteenth studio albums along with  9 compilations & reworking albums plus 7 live albums. Their last studio album “Fistful of fire” was five years ago. In 2022 another line up change saw new singer Dyan Mair (Angelmora) and drummer Fabio Alessandrini (Annihilator,Enemy Eyes,Metal Order). join the fold ,which would see the band re -release re workings of classic albums “Don't Touch The Light MMXXIII” , “Fireworks MMXXIII” and “Point Blank MMXXIII”.Frontiers Music is the new label home for Bonfire with “Higher Ground” the first release.

“Nostradamus” an instrumental intro full of drama ,thunder, lightning and rain, acoustic guitars harmonies, drums electric guitars builds the anticipation of this five year wait for a new Bonfire album. ”I will Rise” with its pounding drums ,heavy riffs, guitar duels, the fast tempo in parts with strong vocals cement the signature Bonfire sound powerful, energy with a melodic, anthemic chorus.” Higher Ground” the title track just carries on in the same direction, the harmonies in unison with Dyan's powerful vocals. ”I Died Tonight” the first single to announce Bonfires return is just a melodic heavy metal track which oozes finesse and quality. Hans Ziller runs riot on the superb track “Lost All Control” with some intricate edgy, gritty guitar riffs in which you can tell he still loves what he does all these years later.

The power ballad of the album “When Love Comes Down” is the chance for new vocalist Dyan Mair to show off his vocal range ,the emotion and power he can let go with his voice. Dyan has added a breath of fresh air to the band but at the same time its as if he's been in the band years a great fit. Bonfire not afraid to try something a little different musically “Come Hell Or High Water” sees them go to a heavier and darker place with its heavy melody. riffs and thunderous drum work from Fabio Alessandrini .”Jealousy” also follows this path it has some fast and hard n' heavy energy with some great guitar duelling and fret wizardry between Ziller and Pane . The album closes with a reworking of “ Rock N' Roll Survivor” with which Bonfire are through their almost 40 year history

“Higher Ground” is a mixture of Bonfire of old with their trademark sound and a Bonfire of new with a fresh experimental sound for 2025 which is on the money. Dyan Mair delivers a superb debut vocal performance which in turn seems to have sparked a new found desire and has ignited a spark within the band. The only criticism I have is that the production could have been better, at times it doesn't do the tracks justice. But as a band Bonfire have really invented themselves and delivered an excellent new album that was worth the five year wait.