BONFIRE – Glorious (2015)

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Finally, legendary German Melodic Hard Rockers BONFIRE are back with this brand new record “Glorious“. If you asked a couple years ago, there are two things I wouldn’t have thought they would ever happen, even though the band always stayed alive.
The first thing is a new Bonfire studio album, and second, that it will be a extraordinary good record. “Glorious” indeed.

But life surprises you sometimes. There is a new album from the Ingolstadt-based band, and “Glorious” is a kind of second spring time. It contains cracking new compositions really worth to listen to.
It feels like the band benefits from a kind of fountain of youth on this recording, as everything comes fresh and vital.
Bonfire have a new vocalist in the shape and form of David Reece, a singer who will be more than familiar to most of you reading this review. Those of you unfamiliar, David has sung in Accept, Bangalore Choir, Gypsy Rose, Tango Down and EZ Livin’, the later being a fine starting block for the small jump over to front Bonfire.

The writing was done by Bonfire’s mastermind Hans Ziller and Reece, with Hans handling the production and the great Alessandro Del Vecchio (who also play keyboards) mixing & mastering. And a superb job they have done.
They kick off with ’21 Guns Salute (Goes Boom)’ which starts slowly with an intro almost a minute long, before you hear the distinct vocals of Mr. Reece. Straight away there is a slight, welcomed change to the familiar sound of Bonfire, a band I’ve followed since the ’80s, with a broader soundscape and with Alessandro del Vecchio adding layers of keyboards to the mix.

‘Nothin’ At All’ certainly is a pacier number with drummer Harry Reischmann pounds louder in the mix. I detect quite a few influences in this track, from hints of Deep Purple and Whitesnake, especially in the vocals.
As with as David Reece’s voice, Hans Ziller’s guitar sound is also distinct and leads us nicely into the third track ‘Can’t Break Away’. Maybe I’ll be so bold as to say this is probably the best I’ve heard Reece sing for a few years. Monster track.

‘Remember’ would not be out of place on a Bangalore Choir album. If you’re familiar with that band’s work then you will know exactly what I mean. Hard rockin’, potent yest extremely clean.
With an acoustic guitar as intro there’s a fair bet you’ve reached a ballad, and yes you’d be exactly right with ‘Fallin’ Outta Love’. Again this exemplifies the fact that David is on top form and also highlights the nice feel of the production.

The title track, appropriately named ‘Glorious’, is a trademark Bonfire anthem, with a big chorus and a choir / orchestra vibe. Also the melodic ‘Lies’ is typical Bonfire, driven by a riff and the sort of guitar sound that draws me into a band.
I’d certainly say that ‘Put Out The Flames’ is the track closest to ’80s Bonfire, and for sure a fan favorite in years to come. Then ‘Freewheel Desperado’ rocks with muscle and fantastic rhythm section, sharp riffs and biker vocals… ride your bike and crank this one to 11!

Bonfire / Ziller has decide to re-record 2 songs from the legendary Bonfire release Fireworks with this new line-up: ‘Sweet Obsession’ and ‘American Nights’. I think David Reece has done a damn good job on these, and the added keyboards / synths add a wonderful AOR touch, especially in ‘Sweet Obsession’. Killer stuff.
And finally we are presented with a bonus track in the shape and form of the all time classic ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’. I have to say I’m thoroughly enjoying this version and a fine job the band has done.

Bonfire has returned in all its glory, so “Glorious” is a proper title for an album that can stand in line with the first three awesome, classic releases of the band.
Bonfire in such a shape has the potential to connect again to former successes and conquer a new generation of Melodic Hard Rock fanatics.
One of the albums of the year without a doubt.
Two BIG thumbs up : Highly Recommended.

01 – 21 Guns Salute (Goes Boom)
02 – Nothin’ at All
03 – Can’t Break Away
04 – Remember
05 – Fallin’ Outta Love
06 – Glorious
07 – Supernatural Disguise
08 – Shooting Star
09 – Lies
10 – Put out the Flames
11 – Free Wind Desperado
12 – Sweet Obsession
13 – American Nights
14 – With a Little Help from My Friends (bonus)

Hans Ziller – Lead Guitar / Backing Vocals
David Reece – Lead Vocals
Harry Reischmann – Drums
Ronnie Parkes – Bass / Backing Vocals
Frank Pane – Guitars / Backing vocals
Paul Morris – Keyboards
Alessandro Del Vecchio – Keyboards, Mix, Mastering

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