ELMSFIRE is a German band formed in 1999 in Dusseldorf. This is a four-piece without a listed bass guitarist. For the recording of "Wings Of Reckoning", the two guitarists handled the bass duties as well. ELMSFIRE mixes elements of classic Heavy Metal with Power and Thrash Metal, with a distinct nod to some of the German Power Metal bands of old. "Wings Of Reckoning" is slated to release September 25, 2020 on the RecordJet label.

The album starts with a short instrumental called "El Murcie¦Çlago de la Muerte" It has a tribal feel with evil undertones, like a ceremony is in going on and the gods aren't pleased. That is the lead in to "Camazotz" a nicely paced song that begins with some cool guitar work and some fun little drums rhythms before driving forth into the song proper. This is a good example of how the rest of the album will go.

The lead single for the record is "Croghan", a tale of having to destroy that which cannot die. ELMSFIRE definitely has a folklore/mythical/mystical feel to some of their lyrics. Other tracks, like "Drop Dead" speak of trusting the wrong person and catching them in their lies, something almost everyone alive can relate to. Unlike some bands that make everything about their favorite subject (SABATON with war, AMON AMARTH with Vikings), there is a variety of lyrical content on this record.

There are three cover tunes on this record as well. "Killer Of Giants" (OZZY OSBOURNE), "Cryonics" (SLAYER) and "Phenomena" (GOBLIN) all get a re-imagining for this record. The songs are very recognizable and consistent with the original, but not exact replicas. All are well done. The vocals are the most noticeable differences as no one sounds just like Ozzy Osbourne or Tom Araya. "Phenomena" is an instrumental, so no comparison for those vocals. It's good that Bobby decided to remain himself. It made those songs sound like ELMSFIRE.

ELMSFIRE is definitely a band worth listening to. With intricate guitar work and a drummer capable handling both simple rhythms that really fit into the song and complex beats that stand on their own. The vocalist has range and uses it well, dropping low when warranted and soaring high with power and accuracy. This is a band that has been around for over 20 years and it shows. They are very good with their respective instruments and know how to play as a band, not a group of individuals competing for top spot. This is an impressive release that will still be good after repeated playing.