""The Premonition" is an album that will instantly satisfy those out there who like to sing along"

Follow up:

8/10

1. "Into the Fire" – 6:29
2. "Head Up High" – 3:46
3. "Mercenary Man" – 3:27 Watch the video!
4. "Angels Forgive Me" – 4:57
5. "Remembered" – 3:38
6. "My Loneliness" – 4:04
7. "Circle of Life" – 4:14
8. "The Silent Code" – 4:48
9. "Maniac" – 4:55
10. "Life Foreclosed" – 4:52

Over the past few releases, it seems the Greek band Firewind have set out to make their name synonymous with quality power metal. What we have here with "The Premonition", their latest release is just that; high quality power metal. "The Premonition" is an album that will instantly satisfy those out there who like to sing along. All the choruses hook you and keep you coming back for more and I've had a lot of fun listening to it.

The production is nice to the guitars and drums. Everything feels organic as it should. It's important in power metal to mix the low end properly especially where the bass drum and guitar are concerned. They definitely got it right. The keyboards are there for the "wall of sound" effect for the most part except when it's highlighted for a solo section. Although some of the patches used don't cut through the mix like they should at times.

Apollo has a great voice and the perfect range for sing-along Power Metal. Unlike most Power Metal vocalists who's ranges are mostly in higher registers, Apollo's is more natural. "Life Foreclosed" has a very Pantera feel to it which stands out from the overall 80s/Whitesnake feel that the rest of the album has, helped by the fact that a cover of "Maniac" (featured in the film "Flashdance") is present on the album.

Gus G is once again amazing on this album but not just in a technical or flashy sense. There are some bluesy parts that creep into his playing every once in a while that really give it a nice little bit of soul. The dual harmonies on guitar as well as some harmonic chords created by both guitarists make some pleasing chord progressions.

While it doesn't quite stand up to their 2006 release "Allegiance", it's still a great album that's a lot of fun. I can't really put it down. My standout tracks are:

"Angels Forgive Me", "Remembered" and "Life Foreclosed"

Links

Firewind on Myspace
Firewind's official website
Buy the album

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