I always say that Power Metal is saturated. There is no progress in this specific genre. The fact is that everybody thinks I don't like Power Metal. Some releases still kick some major ass, but only a few. I am lucky to have found one of them! Firewind just made my day!

Their ranks include one of the greatest Metal guitarists today, Gus G. . After he left his other bands (Mystic Prophecy, Nightrage, Dream Evil and Arch Enemy where he played as a session musician) to concentrate on Firewind, a line up change took place with Apollo Papathanasio (ex-Time Requiem, Majestic) and Mark Cross (ex-Helloween, Metalium) joining the band. With a brand new line up, Firewind entered JM Studio to record Allegiance and then mix at Studio Fredman with the one and only Fredrik Nordstrom.

The result is Allegiance. A great Power Metal record that will more than satisfy the pure Metal fans. This album is forged by fire! I won't comment about the awesome production, Mr. Nordstrom needs no special credits. He's an already established producer that has worked with bands like Arch Enemy, Opeth and Hammerfall. I think that he is the man that made Firewind move a step forward. So, let's get back to the album now. A great record full of catchy tunes and incredible melodies. The band seems much more versatile this time as they include some Hard Rock and atmospheric elements. That's what keeps the listener's attention through every single second.

Firewind have the one thing I love about some Power Metal bands. They've got balls. Stability is word that's not in their dictionaries. They avoid falling into the Gay Metal trend and also avoid the usual and boring Power Metal rhythms. You know, double bass drums at blinding speed... Anyway, something that impressed me was that when Gus G.  left Mystic Prophecy to concentrate on Firewind, both bands released great records. Savage Souls and Allegiance will surely be two of the best Power Metal records for 2006.

The bio note that's written on the Promo CD, says that this album will catapult Firewind onto the elite of the scene. It is my personal opinion, but they are among the elite scene. Except you still like some Power Metal bands that release crap and people are still buying those shitty albums. Anyway, it's your choice...