SPIRITS OF FIRE – Spirits Of Fire [Japan Edition +1] (2019)

Frontiers Music is known for their ability to build new bands and projects featuring musicians of outstanding quality and who come from unique background. And now it’s time for a new super group: SPIRITS OF FIRE. You have here Tim Owens (ex-Judas Priest, ex-Iced Earth), Chris Caffery (Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Steve DiGiorgio (Testament) and Mark Zonder (ex- Fates Warning, Warlord).
The band has completed work on their self-titled debut album which is set for release on February 22nd, tomorrow appearing this Japanese version plus a bonus track.

“Spirits Of Fire” is Classic Metal for 2019. A renowned front-man, Owens is widely known for his screaming vocal stylings that made late 1990s/ early 2000s Judas Priest albums, 1997’s Jugulator and 2001’s Demolition, scare the heck out of anyone who dared to press play on their CD player.
As for Caffrey, the legendary axeman of Savatage continues his immensely successful run in the Christmas themed Trans-Siberian Orchestra, putting his remarkable talent on display for sold-out audiences around the globe.

A frightening rhythm section, DiGiorgio has rattled the bass for some of Heavy Metal finest like Iced Earth and his current stint in Testament. Last but not least, Zonder is the founding drummer in Los Angeles, California’s Warlord. In addition, Zonder also performed with Progressive Metal veterans Fates Warning from 1988-2005. A third chapter, Zonder now gifts his all-around percussion skills to Spirits of Fire.
Not to be forgotten, the recording process for “Spirits Of Fire” was graced by prominent California based Producer Roy Z. (Bruce Dickinson, Halford, Tribe Of Gypsies).

All this seasoned expertise between these metal warriors, it is clear that Spirits Of Fire is not just any supergroup thrown together for the sake of making an album. No, after listening to the band’s debut, fans of the genre will recognize ballsy, true to heart, well thought out songwriting.
Epical, “Spirits Of Fire” – the album – is made up of eleven tracks featuring several songs which harken back to the lost days of long Heavy Metal pieces ranging from six to seven minutes or more.
That in mind, to fans starving for new bands influenced by old-school Metal, you will starve no more.

“Light Speed Marching” opens the CD with a substantial display of dynamic, sinister speedy guitar. This track will bring fans back to classic Tim “Ripper” Owens’ Judas Priest, as his vocals fit the band like a puzzle. Ready for war, “Temple of the Soul” harnesses a groove that takes the band into battle with Heavy Metal as their weapon.
Devious, “All Comes Together” ushers in the band’s onymous calling card, “Spirits of Fire,” forking over Caffrey’s flashy opening guitar riffs and a jarring chorus.

As the probing nature of “It’s Everywhere” chases down its prey, “A Game” sees Spirits Of Fire deliver a slow yet edgy groove layered with muddy and bluesy riffs.
Saying it all, tracks like “Stand and Fight” and “Meet Your End” make good segues for the pleasing stop-and-go rhythm of “Never To Return,” where the band channel the mood of legends like Queensrÿche, Mötley Crüe, and Dio.

Nearing the end, Spirits Of Fire culminates via two dramatic numbers. On “The Path,” the group play a mellow first three minutes before the track picks up to uncover a fascinating story. Before fading to black, “Alone in the Darkness” is a somber cut symbolizing the anxiety of pain and the challenge to rise above and move on.
This Japanese release includes as bonus “It’s Everywhere (Acoustic version)”, a nice and different approach to one of the album’s stronger tracks.

Spirits Of Fire are a striking classic metal quartet to be taken very seriously. Not one song on the album sounds like it was placed as a filler. Having said that, the entire band shines with songwriting talent as they all draw inspiration from their main bands.
Savatage fans will especially be able to hear Caffrey’s writing and influence throughout the album. After absorbing ‘Spirits Of Fire’, metal fans should easily be in unison with the album’s alluring vocals, blistering guitar, punishing rhythms, and the diverse layers of choruses and bridges which totally consume the mind.
Highly Recommended

01. Light Speed Marching
02. Temple Of The Soul
03. All Comes Together
04. Spirits Of Fire
05. It’s Everywhere
06. A Game
07. Stand And Fight
08. Meet Your End
09. Never To Return
10. The Path
11. Alone In The Darkness
JAPAN BONUS TRACK:
12. It’s Everywhere (Acoustic Version)

Tim Owens (ex-Judas Priest, ex-Iced Earth) – Vocals
Chris Caffery (Savatage) – Guitars, Background vocals
Steve DiGiorgio (Testament) – Bass
Mark Zonder (ex- Fates Warning, Warlord) – Drums

PRE ORDER:
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/KICP-1971
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