VALKYRIE’S FIRE hailing from Nashville, Tennessee were formed in 2023. The symphonic Power Metal band release their debut EP. It has a length of about 22 minutes, and it was released via US Heavy Metal specialists Eclipse Records. The EP starts with the track “Ride Of The Valkyrie” and with a symphonic intro leading into powerful guitar riffs at a fast tempo. The vocals are two-parted. The male vocals range around the medium end of the vocal range, while the female vocals use slightly higher notes and a few highly pitched notes. There are orchestral arrangements notable in the background, however, the classical vibes come with the guitars, in particular during the contributing lead guitar solo. “The Maiden” starts with thunderous riffing and catchy melodies at mid-tempo. The female vocals provide the first verse part and the choruses, while the male vocals deliver the second verse parts. Some parts of the vocals are performed together, with the male vocals more in the background. The highlight of the track is the break with an excellent lead guitar solo. “The Maiden” is one of my favorite tracks on the EP. “Empty” starts with a quiet pre-lude, transitioning into a track at a measured tempo. The track develops into a ballad, where the strings, the piano, and the female vocals drive the first verse part forward. The chorus melodies are dark with some traces of melancholy. For the second verse part, the guitars also join in and you also hear the brass. Vocalist Bettie Floyd takes the center stage of the track as she delivers a versatile and emotional vocal performance.

“Nectar Of The Gods” returns to the Power Metal inspired sound. It is a fast track with tight riffing, crunching basslines, and the male vocals being the main contributor. There are orchestral arrangements throughout the track, however, they are more in the background. “Nectar Of The Gods” is simple, direct, and a short, crushing track. The EP finishes with the mid-tempo track “Warrior Of The Night”. The riffing is tight again and the arrangements are mainly in the background. The vocal duties are shared with Adam Sanders starting the first verse and Bettie Floyd continues with the second verse. The chorus parts are performed by both vocalists. The track has once again many classical vibes. The orchestral arrangements are not overly prominent with the brass most notable. The melodies are catchy during the chorus parts. The highlight is once again the extended lead guitar solo. “Warrior Of The Night” is the official video release, and the YouTube link is provided below.

The debut EP of VALKYRIE’S FIRE is a first taste of what symphonic Metal fans can expect from them in the future. “Ascension” is a promising mixture of symphonic Metal and Power Metal, all embedded into an interesting melodic framework, which is neo-classically inspired at times. The EP is well produced. It is still early days to judge VALKYRIE’S FIRE based on their release. There is still room for improvements in the songwriting and in the arrangements. However, if the quintette develops their music into their very own signature sound, they could enrich the crowded symphonic Metal market.