With the self-release of this album (October 17) the band's fourth ("Wings of Steel" EP, "Gates of Twilight" and "Live in France") and fueled by critically acclaimed European tours/fests in 2024 & 2025, WINGS OF STEEL have established and positioned themselves as "Rising Stars" in the heavy metal landscape. The journey began in 2019, founded by vocalist Leo Unnermark and guitarist Parker Halub. The two met while studying music in Los Angeles and have been working together ever since. Rooted in the old-school hard rock and heavy metal of the 70s and 80s, the band's style could be described as an epic, new, and unique expression of those classic styles. Their lyrics for the most part are written based on universal reflections and speak of the balance between opposites (dark and light, good and bad, heaven and hell, life and death). They journey through various concepts and can thus be related to in multiple ways depending on how the listener wishes to interpret them. The lyrics speak of the importance of the balance between things we love and desire and of the things we are afraid to accept. Yes, their lyrics are deep, but their music is even deeper, pushing the boundaries of traditional hard rock/heavy metal into the realms of a new and fresh paradisiacal soundscape.

Since I have already reviewed the three released singles/videos on METAL TEMPLE from this album "Winds of Time" (June 17), "We Rise" (August 24) and "Burning Sands" (September 24), there is no need to rehash my absolute LOVE of these songs, so I will carry on with the remaining tracks. "Saints and Sinners" immediately takes us on the fast track with no time to even catch your breath with a warp speed riff and thunderous back beat enhanced by the magical ribbons of the impeccable, blissful vocals that'll have you frozen in time with the 70's/80's heyday of metal ambiance while carving out their own niche and fresh approach and delivering this hard-hitting, emotionally charged anthem. "Crying" is a down and dirty intensely impassioned soulful song effortlessly transitioning to celestial vocals meshing with heavy guitar riffs and captivating harmonizing giving way to a deepened atmosphere of embattled lovers gone astray.  "To Die in Holy War" and  "Lights go Out" highlight the incredible musical diversity of WINGS OF STEEL as they take us on a juxtapose journey through a straight forward, smash mouth rocker with accelerated chops and galloping, electrifying riffs all fused together by the stellar vocals right into a wicked and nasty tuned down, grab your crotch rocker bringing a sinister vibe where the guitar and vocals become one dynamic instrument.

My wife is really starting to get annoyed with me all because I replaced our wedding picture with a WINGS OF STEEL album cover, renamed our dogs Wings and Steel and recited a WINGS OF STEEL song lyric when we recently renewed our wedding vows, but seriously, I will go to any lengths to spread the word about this magnificent, hard rocking band that embraces the old school heavy metal tradition and spirit with tried and true paralyzing, rocking riffs, explosive vocals coupled with the bewitching backing rhythm section and embellished with relevant and intoxicating lyrics.

"Winds of Time" and their other albums can be purchased directly from the band's website: wingsofsteelband.com

After successful and critically acclaimed tours in Europe in 2024 and 2025, WINGS OF STEEL will be finally touring America and Canada in early 2026 as part of the SABATON "Legends on Tour" show starting February 9th in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, so get out there and support "LIVE" music and keep the passion burning.

You can watch our interview with Parker Halub (lead guitar) and Leo Unnermark (lead vocals) on YouTube channel CREATIVITY TALKIN. We talk about the new album, the European tours, the upcoming tour and much more

See link below: https://youtu.be/cBqTyd6QqVE?si=ed5T7kLoDrDBB_jy