In the 80's, when the things were at their beginnings, before the arise of countless (and boring) musical labels, it wasn't hard to see bands using, at both times, elements from traditional Heavy Metal along something from Black Metal, Speed Metal and Thrash Metal. But as time passed by, this formula disappeared. But as some bands were resurrecting old formulas, there are some trying to do that again. And in the case of FLAMEKEEPER, from Sweden, their first release called "We Who Light the Fire", the old formula gained some new elements.

In the view of the 80's, the listener will find elements from German traditional Heavy Metal, German Power/Thrash Metal, but using some epic elements as well. There are moments with that fast tempo beats on snare drums, all that Hardcore dirty energy that is an inheritance from MÖTORHEAD, but with some Pagan/Epic parts as well. Yes, it is really a fine release, full of a catching energy, and it's hard to believe that it's just an EP (Marco, an album on the nest time, please). The sound quality could be better, because it sounds raw and organic like a recording from the 80's, but not sounding a fuzzy mess. It's crude, maybe trying to catch the ambiance of the past, what isn't needed. Maybe Marco could ask for Joel Grind's support next time. It's not bad, but not excellent as the band's music is.

The excellent guitar riffs and rusty ambiance of "Nomads of the World Beyond" (a catching song with an amazing energy), the mix between Speed/Black Metal from the 80's with harsh melodies presented on "Until This Earth Takes Me" (amazing guitars once more), the very good rhythmic set used on "We Who Light the Fire" (what means a good work on bass guitar and drums, but there's a some amazing contrasts of vocals' tunes on it), and the rusty 80's aggressiveness and energy shown on "Dead Sea Waters" (it could be said as it's like early RUNNING WILD playing Thrash/Black Metal). And on the version for the Greek Black Metal masters of NECROMANTIA called "Ancient Pride" is really excellent.

"We Who Light the Fire" is really a very good release, showing that the fans can expect great things from FLAMEKEEPER in the future, but a better sonority would make things even better.