A great mistake was done in the 80s: to promote TROUBLE’s releases, a label started to call the band’s music as ‘White Metal’, and since then, all bands that deal with Christian themes or that has Christian musicians have to deal with heavy criticism and even with attitudes that don’t have sense (in Brazil, the things can get ridiculous levels sometimes). The right thing to be done is to hear and question yourself if it’s good or not to you, and others beliefs are not of the concern of anyone. After explaining all of that once more, it’s time to deal with “Our Blessed Hope”, the latest release of FLAMES OF FIRE.

The Swedish sextet works on a modern Heavy Metal way, using some influences of Hard Rock and NWOBHM on its melodies, but always sounding heavy and thunderous, with excellent individual talent of each one of its musicians, but always working for the sake of the band’s music. It means that it sounds strong, heavy and pulses with life and energy; but on the other hand, their music is filled with very good arrangements and melodic hooks in a way that hard to resist after hearing it just once. But what one can expect from experienced musicians with names as ROYAL HUNT, PAIN OF SALVATION, NARNIA, and others like these on their shoulders?

“Our Blessed Hope” was produced and mixed by Jani Stefanovic (with Carl Johan Grimmark sharing the mixing duties and who did the mastering as well) who knew how to give the album a clean and defined sound that allows the fans to understand what’s being played clearly; but on the other hand, it bears a massive weight and an aggressive outfit (due the instrumental tunes used, especially on the guitars). And the artwork of the cover, a beautiful work of Jani, depicting the band’s musical message.

The album is good from the first song to the last one, but to have a taste of what it stands for, hear to “This is the One” (a Heavy Metal song with modern outfit and excellent melodies, with astonishing vocals and charming keyboards melodic ambiences), “Battlefield of Souls” (a typical blend between Heavy Metal weight and Hard Rock melodic hooks, with strong bass guitar and drums rhythmic sustain), “Prayer Warriors” (this one depicts the NWOBHM that the sextet bears, with excellent guitar riffs and arrangements), “In Dark Times - Shelter Me” (a heavier and bitter song based on slower tempos, with excellent vocals once more), “Rest in Me” (a deeper and beautiful ballad with excellent interpretation of the vocals and clean chords), and “Our Blessed Hope”. But once more: all the songs are great.

As final words, it must be said that “Our Blessed Hope” is really an excellent release, and that FLAMES OF FIRE has too much to offer top Heavy Metal fans.