Firewind
Allegiance

October 2006
Released: 2006, Century Media
Rating: 3.0/5
Reviewer: Arto Lehtinen

The Greek/German power metal supergroup, if that term can be used, led by the guitarist wizard Gus G haven’t rested on their laurels even though the line-up underwent some changes since the previous output FORGED BY FIRE. The most interesting thing in the renewed band is Mark Cross behind the drum kit. As for the vocalist thing, it is pretty amazing that Firewind have managed to recruit former Time Requiem and Majestic vocalist Apollo Papathanasio. Therefore, it could be said that this package of FireWind is definitely stronger than ever before. These metallers offer a great deal of well written and produced power metal songs. Actually, the whole album ain’t the purest modern power metal whipping with thunderous double drum works and the vocalist screaming in the upper registers from the beginning to the end. Instead the Greek metallers have adopted the influences from the melodic traditional heavy metal by modifing and composing it to fit to the world of FireWind. Especially the second song "Insanity" has melodic and touchy parts. Each song has its own catchy elements taking a grip on a listener’s taste and mind, not leaving that easily. As stated above, the singer doesn’t scream in the upper register, yes Apollo’s voice was quite different as his voice sounds occasionally quite rough but clean and has a very personal vibe in the tune. For example, having Swedish female guest singer do a duet with the vocalist on “Breaking The Silence” is definitely a nice youch giving some variety. Gus and his fellows have created a nice solid and good metal album to match up to the critical opinions and standards of the world wide metal genre. It is quite obvious Gus’ guitarwork is the main focus on the album, but the man gives nothing but utter high quality with his instrument and therefore the mark of his playing style can be identified easily. ALLEGIANCE is 100% pure heavy metal with well-produced quality metal for all freaks digging this type of metal and the band has the right attitude toward the future.