The melodic metal band Firewind is back with a revamped line-up and a monster of a new album, symbolically entitled Allegiance. The Greek band led by young guitar hero Gus G managed to announce Apollo Papathanasio (ex-Majestic, Time Requiem) as new vocalist and Mark Cross (ex-Helloween, ex-Metalium) as new drummer for the band. He couldn’t have made a better choice, the cooperation between the band members encouraged a stronger drive of creativity and unity than ever before. Allegiance was recorded at JM Studio and mixed at Studio Fredman together with Fredrik Nordström (HammerFall, Arch Enemy, Opeth). The result is grandiose, a very powerful album with a brilliant sound. Allegiance is a modern melodic hard rock album with 11 tracks of powerful epic metal, great riffs (catchy and heavy), powerful ballads and last but not least irresistible guitar solo’s.

The up-tempo opening tracks “Allegiance” and “Insanity” are songs that have to be played loud with your stereo on 10. The heavy and catchy riffs, the melodic structure, the strong vocals and solo’s are superb! (repeat, repeat). The atmospherically rocking “Breaking The Silence” (featuring a vocal duet between Swedish-based singer/songwriter Tara and Apollo) remind me of Lacuna Coil, especially the chorus; I like this one very much. “Deliverance” and “The Essence” are 2 great power ballads. The album’s first single, “Falling To Pieces” is very radio-minded (great melody). Conclusion: “Allegiance” is a great album and will catapult Firewind on to the elite of the hard rock scene, so better pledge your allegiance!