Year: 2025
Total Time: 43.54
Label: Self-financed
From what we know, March is going to be a very interesting month in terms of new releases and one of them is the debut album of Heavy / Power Metallers WILDFIRE that will be released on Friday, March 7th. It could be described as a thematic album as the goal of all the songs is to motivate the listener to get off his/her couch and take the step that will get them out of the difficult situation they may be experiencing.
The album starts with the instrumental “Leap Of Faith”, inspired by the third Indiana Jones movie, “The Last Crusade”, and is essentially the intro for the next song “Rise” which was the first single released by the band a few weeks ago. It stands out for its guitars and the highly catchy chorus that I imagine will be a hit at the band’s live shows. Next we have “Nights” with a Glam Metal 80s aesthetic which talks about unrequited love and includes a very nice closing part by the amazing drummer Andronikos Maltezos. Next one, is one of my favorite songs called “Navigators” in which WILDFIRE decided to give an ethnic touch and an initially guitar solo eventually turned into a short but so characteristic clarinet solo by Tolis Polymeros. Apart from that though, “Navigators” is one of the album’s most beautiful songs that speaks ironically about the conquerors who, under the pretext of trying to spread civilization to uncivilized peoples, cause havoc and destruction.
Another milestone for the album is definitely “Inside The Box” which has just been released as a video clip (with the signature – guarantee of Bob Katsionis) and is a pure Heavy Metal anthem in high speed and with the drums once again standing out. The song speaks for all of us who are part of the system (or part of the problem I might add) and think we are free. The whole point of the album is summed up in “Breaking Point” which urges us to step out of our comfort zone and push our boundaries. For this song, WILDFIRE chose a more Progressive approach and as expected Marios Theofilatos’ keyboards are coming to the forefront. The musical variety continues with the power ballad “Mirror’s Edge” which starts perfectly with keyboards and continues with an excellent guitar solo to reach the “Inception” inspired abrupt closing. Nearing the end of the album, we come across “Far And Beyond (In Hell)” which is my second favorite track. Groovy, rhythmic, dynamic with an excellent atmospheric, ambient bridge that symbolizes the descent into hell. The album closes with a remix of “Night With A Witch” from the 2021 EP that somehow connects the past and the future of the band.
We can identify many elements that characterize this album. The very special voice of Bill Chrepas with his characteristic timbre and his passionate performance, the guitar duo that creates a very rich result, the contribution of bassist Dimitris Megalios (who also created the artwork of the album), the great talent of Andronikos on drums and the leading role of Marios’ keyboards, something not that common in a Heavy Metal album. “Rise” is a very accessible album, with characteristic melodies that everyone can listen from start to finish easily (a major advantage these days that singles are in fashion). We are waiting impatiently for the live performance!
Rating: 8/10
Editor: Kostas Boudoukos
Related Link: WILDFIRE – Facebook Page
