Year: 2022
Total Time: 48:26
Label: No Remorse Records
Trying to explain to you the “FLAMES phenomenon” and its effect on the Greek metal scene is not meaningless. Their effort in pushing Greece into the field of Metal music at a more European and perhaps global level should be stated. But there are so many questions and information that escape the point of a record review and turn more into a tribute text….
Truth is that 26 years is a longtime, almost a whole generation, but this is the time between the “In Agony Rise” album (1996) and the “Resurgence” album (2022). In these 26 years there have been many changes and variations in the field of music. However, when we talk about Thrash Metal it is obvious that not much has changed and FLAMES are here to confirm this fact. Those pioneers of Thrash Metal in Greece did not stop offering us German-style Thrash with more references to DESTRUCTION and less to SODOM and KREATOR.
The record starts furiously with “Keeper Of The Burning Flame-Resurgence” and like a tornado it carries us along its course. Thomas Trampouras, with his shrill-homely voice that at times reminded me of early Peter Wagner (Peavey), sings with a lot of confidence, with the air of experience and the right vocal steps. In “War In Mind” the beats are a bit reminiscent of uncle Tom (not Angelripper but Araya) something that is of course well received and welcome. Now that the conversation has brought it up, I realize that all three aforementioned singers have the name “Tom”, a random game of fate, but an actual fact as well… The Kirkopoulos brothers, the leading minds of the band since the beginning (even more specifically Christos), gallop with their riffs, going up and down scales, shredding like a day hasn’t passed since the 90s. Of course, in all this chaos, the main contributor is the new drummer of the group, in terms of age and chronologically, Nikos “Yngwe” Samios, who with his technique, his solid rhythm and the right tempo changes works perfectly with Andreas Kirkopoulos in the rhythm section and force the remaining members to follow and give their best.
I have to admit that I am not listening to a record that is full of originality and innovation. The German school is omnipresent with (apart from the Holy Trinity), PARADOX and early RAGE making their presence at some parts and also the American kings of Thrash (I am not even referring to METALLICA) are here. But “Resurgence” is exactly what it suggests, the rekindling of the flame that has never stopped burning… The production at Sound Symmetry Studios by Bob Katsionis brings out the performing and creative powers of the members to the fullest and the artwork by Wyrmwalk makes sure to continue the development of FLAMES with a very solid tribute in their past. In “Legend III”, which also closes the album, the Greeks invited Giorgos Lezkidis of the Serrai Death ‘N’ Rollers KEMEROV to help with his guitar solos in the whole effort and the result is deemed sufficiently satisfactory!.
I must admit I had a good time while listening to “Resurgence”. It has the ideal music to play at the background while driving. With the flame (sic) still burning, FLAMES show that despite these 26 years of absence, they still have the recipe to offer us beautiful and quality music and why not, to attract new fans who possibly knew their existence only from the metal history books. I just hope it will not take another 25 years for FLAMES to release a new album! I cannot imagine where or how we will be then…
Rating: 7.5/10
Editor: Dimos Karadimos
Related Link: FLAMES – Official Page
