Metal maniacs, rejoice! I am proud to present to you: STORMBURNER; signed via Pure Steel Records, hailing from Swedish grounds – performing Heavy Metal, on their debut album entitled: “Shadow Rising” (released 6th December, 2019)
Since formation in 2016; the quintet in question have only this here debut album in their discography so far entitled: “Shadow Rising“, 10 tracks ranging at around 46:54 – STORMBURNER arrange an intricately designed formula of hard-hitting Heavy Metal developments. “We Burn” begins the record; conveying amplified adrenaline, boistrously bouncy catchiness and crunchy instrumentation. Executing a borderline foundation of groovy barrages; flamboyant frenzies that ultilize uniquely vehement versatility while quintessentially raging with rhythmically chaotic chugs, galloping haste & a fluidly polished sound production that shines with razor-sharp ramifications. Warning; there is a lot of lungs that tear with shattering precision, that will make you singalong with the melodic onslaught.
Consisting of Mike Stark on lead vocals; the frontman demonstrates clean, high-pitched pipes that scream with rawly rough tightness. “Metal In The Night” forges distinctive doses of creatively complex harmonies, frolicking firepower & diligently detailed dynamics that pursuit rapidly swift nimbleness from duo guitarists Tommi Korkeamäki on rhythm/acoustic & Mats Hedström on lead guitars embellish on experimental finesse & blistering glory. It’s all fuelled with passion, traditional old-school Heavy Metal traits & seamlessly sonic substance. The titular track showcases potently vibrant varieties of monstrously meticulous meatiness, solid snappiness & quirky dexterity. Heralding yells which spits out relentlessly venomous might, with the thunderously technical organics STORMBURNER supply.
“Demon Fire” starts off with an acoustic intro; afterwards implementing bombastic virtuosity, pulsating with thumpy bass audibility from Tommy Jee – elementing infectiously immersive grit & concretely gnarly aesthetics of throaty shrieks juxtaposed with rip-roaring shreds that subjugate with whirlwind rushes while transistioned with profusely robust musicianship. “Ragnarök” distributes momentously primitive manifestations of stompy drum hammering from Stefan Essmyren; fabricating battering consistency with rambunctious quakes, steely pounds & killer jumpiness. “Men At Arms” contrasts with more riveting strikes; slamming with mid-tempo progressions, revolved around a punchy yet memorable chorus calamities – another epic belter that will stick to your mind.
“Eye Of The Storm” is equally fantastic; intensely riffing with speedy skill, resulting in a fierce attribute of lacerating epicness. Hymns of furocious grandure, energetic battle cries & bellowing howls amalgamated with the crushing booms will have fists pumping while their horns are held high. With its rumbling pandemonium; towering with salubrious solos, this is an exciting band that will unleash the inner berserker within. STORMBURNER excel at capturing an essence of old-school MANOWAR (don’t expect Eric Adams‘ raw power though) while having a driving force of DIO while converged with the cheesiness of MAJESTY in their own maelstrom of modernized styles… relished with typical Viking themes from the mighty Odin, to Valhalla – that has an incredibly feel-good vibe to it. “Rune Of The Dead” shakes the ground as it marches into a stampeding strumming machine, portraying more of those elegantly exquisite singing majestics while systematically providing sublime songwriting anthems & ballad-esquire fulfillments.
Overall concluding “Shadow Rising” with the slightly dirge-like closing finale: “Ode To War“; I enjoyed an enlightening experience in which exceeded all original expectations, being a big fan of the aforementioned influences – STORMBURNER I found certainly outdone themselves for a debut. Could they be the next Kings Of Metal? Well, perhaps… we know that can’t be replaced though. Yet with that awesome artwork by Ken Kelly (who infamously done MANOWAR & KISS covers) they very well could be. All metal maniacs should definitely discover this remarkably talented quintet who have a maximum shine of potential – check it out!
Songwriting: 8
Musicianship: 8
Memorability: 8
Production: 8
By Craig Rider at Metal Temple