Umlauts! Right there above the ‘o’ of Firewölfe! I don’t think it takes a genius to work out that Firewölfe are a Heavy Metal band. A serious, no nonsense, time honoured classic Heavy Metal band. Those two little dots above the ‘o’ almost embodies the timeless spirit of the band, as if it were on their sleeve. First there was Blue Öyster Cult and Motörhead, then Queensrÿche, Mötley Crüe, Bön Jövi, Euröpe… the list goes on (possibly a couple of those may not be right…), but throughout the last 40 years or so, a trademark for Metal, and Firewölfe make sure that continues.
Following in the path of well-known past members like David Fefolt (ex-Fifth Angel/Masi etc), Jay Schellen (Unruly Child, ex-Asia/Hurricane/Stone Fury etc), Ronny Monroe (ex-Metal Church) and Paul Davidson (ex-Heir Apparent) to name a few, Firewölfe 2021 are sporting a brand new line-up for this, their third album – a new co-guitarist, drummer and vocalist no less! This new line-up maybe has less of an ‘ex-band’ factor than it had, but the maturity and Metal direction that the band display is no less diminished. Better to get the right guys to deliver the right sound for Firewölfe at the right time eh?
Their sound is straight-edged classic late 80’s Heavy Metal, powerful of riff and thunderous of rhythm, with touches of US Speed Metal – Jag Panzer and Helstar spring to mind with touches of Vicious Rumors, Virgin Steele, Armored Saint, Liege Lord and Omen…and Judas Priest, just to spoil the American analogy. The songs are uncomplicated and uncluttered, guitar-driven Heavy Metal, delivered in a solid, no-frills way that Metal has thrived on for years. Vocally Freddy Krumins has that laid back, mid-range delivery that also pitches itself nicely anywhere in the last 40 years – timeless, tried and tested. “Conquer All Fear” is unapologetic, unabashed and unashamed of what it is. Maybe it’s nothing new, it might be nothing particularly different, and it’s not out to change the world – it’s just something many Metal fans of any genre like to hear from time to time – it’s just good, honest Heavy Metal.
(7.5/10 Andy Barker)
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