Hello Metal-Temple. Today, I have the pleasure to bring you "The Rise of Starlit Fires". This new album is the latest from FORCE MAJEURE who been around for over 16 years and yet they are releasing only their 3^rd full-length album to date. They have taken their sweet time to cook us some energetic and inspired Power Metal. They were clearly influenced in their style by the like of STRATOVARIUS with their fast pace of heavy Power Metal.

"Gemini Rising" can relate really well to the golden age of Power Metal that was the 90s. With nostalgic riffs and hook, you'll find yourself back in time. The whole album can feel like a portal to another time, but also brings something new to the table. "Apocalyptic Hearts" merges the old and new sounds of Power Metal very well that way with the upbeat pace of the 90s and the intricate mix of instrument that we hear nowadays. "Blessed by the Wolves" without a doubt bring memories of SONATA ARCTICA in their prime. With a slower pace maybe and a different vocal style, but musically and with the wolf theme, you can see some influence coming from the long running finish band. Making the ideas their own thought, FORCE MAJEURE doesn't have to ask permission to lead the pack.

"The Great Starfall" stands out of the lot with a myriad of pace with Thrash Metal element mixed into the Power Symphony. The riffs and solos are out of this world, going through both styles, multiple times inside of the 5 minute song. We fall now inside of the ballad portion of the event. "Church of Steam", "Pantheon of My Passion" and "The Darkening" including some portion of "Subarctic Showdown" are reminiscent of the powerful ballads of the Power Metal bands of our youth. Including some folk instruments on occasion, the melody is gripping.

I absolutely recommend this album, it made me relive my entrance in the world of metal through nostalgia and melody. FORCE MAJEURE is making me remember why I loved the likes of STRATOVARIUS and friends back in the 90s while bringing something fresh to the table. It is the album that was unreleased in the golden age of Power Metal and probably one that will revive the genre for some of us.