SERPENT FIRE were formed in 2022, and they are from Finland. The band plays melodic Death Metal. “Pathways” is the debut EP, and it was mastered by Mika Jussila (AMORPHIS; CHILDREN OF BODOM; EDGUY). The EP has a length of about 15 minutes, and it was released via Finnish label Inverse Records, which have many Death, Doom, and Heavy Metal bands among their current roster. Petri Karjalainen (CYPHOSIS) played the drums on the EP. The EP starts with “Wait Until The Dark” and with powerful guitar riffs at mid-tempo. The guitar riffing is supported by prominent keyboard contributions throughout. The vocals are growls at around the medium end of the guttural range with a few higher pitched screams. The tempo and rhythm of the track varies between mid-tempo and a faster pace. The melodies are dark and a bit melancholic at times. The lead guitar solo is very contributing to the track and intensifies the melancholy in the melodies. “Wait Until The Dark” is the official video release, and the YouTube link is provided below.

“Disengage” starts with a tension-building keyboard intro, leading into a fast melodic track driven by the guitar riffing. The fast verse parts are very heavy and punchy however, the keyboards always contribute prominently most of the time at the expense that it takes away heaviness and directness. The melodies are catchy throughout the track. The break includes both, a lead guitar solo followed by a keyboard solo and this part is the most interesting of the track. The EP is short, and the third track is already the final one. Starting very promising with thunderous guitar riffing at a measured tempo, the track transitions into a verse part at mid-tempo. “Serpent Fire” is the track of tempo twists throughout. The growling vocals are more versatile compared to both other tracks and utilize a wider guttural range. The chorus lines come with clean vocals, which I did not expect. The melodies are once again dark and include a few melancholic features during the chorus parts. Highlight of the track is the extended lead guitar solo midway through. “Serpent Fire” is arguably the best song of the EP however, the song sounds unfinished.

The debut EP of SERPENT FIRE leaves me with mixed feelings. “Pathways” sits definitely at the melodic end on the melodic Death Metal scale. While the guitars deliver dynamic and versatile guitar riffs and solos, and the growling vocals offer a solid Death Metal foundation, the keyboards are mainly responsible for the melodic framework but are often too prominent. The EP is well produced. Fans of melodic Death Metal might dig “Pathways” and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for SERPENT FIRE.