FIRSTBOURNE is a Power Metal band who hail from Boston, USA. The band was formed in 2016. "Pick Up The Torch" is the band's second full-length album, after previously having 4 singles released between the first opus "RIOT" and the new album "Pick Up The Torch".  The band have received awards for their work - In 2016 they received the "International Portuguese Music" Award, the "Truth Of The Lion - Best Rock Performance of the Year" and in 2018, they have won the "New England Music Awards Best Hard Rock/Metal Act Of The Year". The name FIRSTBOURNE derives from the fact that each of the band members are the eldest children of their respective families.

The new album, "Pick Up The Torch", is a lengthy album, containing a total of 15 tracks. The Power Metal band have written and performed such tracks as "Truth Of The Lion"  - a song that opens up with high-pitched guitar rifts, soon before accompanied by the vocals of Ian Raposa. The song circles around the theme of truth, lies and sacrifice. Another notable track on the album is "New Tomorrow", which is a song with an instrumental opening and lyrics about desire and passion. In addition to the mentioned before tracks, is "My Choices" - a powerful track about never giving up and always believing, no matter what. Title track, "Pick Up The Torch", is a well laid-out track. It has a 'celebration of life' vibe in it. Another noteworthy track is "Pretend" - a song with sweet and romantic lyrics.

Although "Pick Up The Torch" is long album, it is an album full of hopes and fears, emotions and desires. A well-written album which has been equally well produced and performed. With some easy paced music and some neck-breaking guitar rifts, the album is a musically pleasing album to listen to. There are some fantastic instrumentals throughout the album and occasional wailing vocals to carry on to top. A Power Metal Band with a flair for style, FIRSTBOURNE have put together a solid album here. I expect more well-written and performed songs from the band in the future. In my personal opinion FIRSTBOURNE have a long future ahead of them if they continue to grow and flourish as they have. I believe they could benefit from signing with the right record label but, even though they don't have one at the moment, they have created a fine album and over time, we shall discover just how far the band will go on their journey in the Power Metal scene.