Another Italian power metal newcomer has joined the fray. While browsing through the quite fancy looking booklet, that features yet another fantasy concept story, I already know that this is not going to be the most original band I have ever heard. The first song, “The DarkFire” already confirms my suspicions. An intro that could have been written by Yngwie J. Malmsteen and a chorus that literally sounds like Rhapsody on a hangover day.

Call me crazy but I just can’t understand why all these power metal acts have to be so damn predictable. It is as if bands like DarkFire are too afraid to take some risks. They are being promoted as a band with an outstanding technique level and although that certainly is true I wonder why they don’t use that enormous talent to come up with a bit more original compositions.

The music on this album is pretty lackluster symphonic power metal with neo-classical elements and it is clearly influenced by bands like Yngwie J. Malmsteen’s Rising Force, Rhapsody and Dream Theater. Although the biography clearly states that DarkFire play metal in the vein of Symphony X and Blind Guardian, I for one can’t recognize a single trace of the aforementioned bands.

What annoys me the most is the fantasy concept story. Although I am a tremendous fan of the genre I can’t stand the blatant commercial abuse of fantasy. Don’t get me wrong, certain bands know how to write a concept story, e.g. Bal-Sagoth and Rhapsody, but most of these fantasy oriented metal bands just create utter garbage that would make J.R.R. Tolkien turn around in his grave if he only would know. Writing a story not only takes skill but also background knowledge, which in most cases is clearly lacking. Furthermore it requires decent English and proofreading. When I read this booklet I seriously wondered what DarkFire were thinking. The most striking passage is the following: “Big white bull guides the Cattle, He’s given birth to fifty calves in just one day.” Correct me if I’m wrong but the first bull that can birth calves has yet to be born and the list of bad errors goes on and on.

If you are looking for straightforward power metal then DarkFire might interest you. However if you like your metal a bit more refreshing and diverse I’d advice you to stay far away from this redundant release. Highlights of the album are the “The Spice Islands” and “Gorgoroth’s Fire”.