(Power Metal) Crimsonfire - Crimsonfire - 2005, MP3, 320 kbps CBR

Melbourne’s Crimsonfire play a style of power metal that crosses between Stratovarius and Iron Maiden. They are another in a long line of power metal bands that incorporate progressive elements into their sound, primarily through the use of keyboards. Unlike some other sub genres in metal, power metal seems to be the one that hasn’t managed to age very gracefully. To me, 99% of the time, modern power metal tends to sound like it has come directly from the early 80’s. There is always that feeling in the back of my mind that whilst I know I haven’t heard this song or that album before, it feels eerily familiar. This is probably a result of many power metal songs taking on the same kinds of structures and chord progressions. It may not be the most original formula. But it works.

What Crimsonfire do well is write catchy, melodic songs. The interplay between Louie Gorgievski’s vocal lines and Anthony Tabone’s guitar riffs is top notch and contributes heavily to this album’s appeal. When mixed with a solid rhythm section (Domenic Pinto on drums and Paul Yoannidis on bass) and some creative and well executed synths/keyboards courtesy of Dianne Melichar, the album comes to life.

I think a lot of this album’s drawing power will be due to its classic metal sound. As I mentioned before, it does sound familiar which could be considered to be a negative aspect, but at the same time it could also be viewed as positive simply because whilst the material is new, it sounds like so many other classic albums that it is like returning to an old friend on each listen.

I have to say that even though there isn’t a weak track on the disc, by the time I reached the second half of the album my interest started wander. This could very well be a result of my general lack of interest in power metal though. Others that relish this style of music would more than likely have a totally different opinion in this respect.

For those that have never dug the whole power metal thing, then this album isn’t likely to change your stance. But for those who sway towards this genre, this album would be a worthy addition to your collection, not just due to its musical merits, but also because the band hail from Australia and should receive as much local support as possible.

Review written by Michael O’Brien for www.themetalforge.com

Louie Lewis Gordievski- vocals
Anthony Tabone - guitar
Paul Yoannidis - bass
Domenic Pinto - drums
Diane Malichar - keyboards