REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: April 22, 2022

FIREWIND – Few Against Many

Most people will be familiar with Gus G for his time as Ozzy’s guitarist – but this is his day job. This is the Greek outfits 7th album released back in 2012, and it continues with the band’s brand of melodic power metal with great riffs, killer guitar, and some epic vocals.

Opening track, Wall Of Sound, is a beast of a tune with a killer riff, groove, and a superb hook and chorus. Losing My Mind slows the pace down to start with before a huge epic riff and groove kicks in that reminds me of Metallica – Gus G’s solo is nuts. The title track is next up and rips in with a great drum groove and a huge riff – a big shout out to vocalist, Apollo, who is the owner of a great set of pipes. The Undying Fire follows and its more of the same, although this track doesn’t have so much to latch onto riff wise, but it dips its toe into thrash territory. Side 1 closes out with Another Dimension and it’s the fastest track yet with a super choppy riff and blast beat drums.

Onto Side 2 we go and Glorious slides into a huge chugga riff with a superb hook and melody. Edge Of A Dream is next (with a guest appearance from Apocalyptica) and we are in power ballad hell my friends – the only redemption here is Gus’ guitar. Normal service is resumed with the opening riff to Destiny with chugga’s a plenty and quite a commercial hook and melody. Long Gone Tomorrow is up next and has a really evil riff that I like, and then it’s into lots of chugga’s. The album closes out with No Heroes, No Sinners and they definitely believe in going out on a high – this could be my favourite on the whole album. It has lots of peaks and troughs, and it builds very nicely into quite a nice ending. A really solid album.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

WRABIT – Tracks

I think the band are from Toronto, and this is their second album released in ’81. Their style is firmly in melodic rock/aor territory, and the only member I know anything of is John Albini on guitar. He went on to partner with Lee Aaron as her guitarist and songwriter. In fact, it’s Mr Albini’s contributions that get my attention the most as JP has a killer sound and tone.

The songs are heavy on the melodies, and the harmonies are really good. You would be forgiven for thinking that you were listening to Styx (in their more syrupy moments) on tracks like I’ll Never Run Away. I like the more up-tempo tunes myself, and Soldier of Fortune and Unsung Hero are my favourites on the album. I’m not sure if they were Christian in their beliefs, but See No Evil and Don’t Lose That Feeling have that vibe with the arrangements and tone.

Not a bad album. If you like aor with a large dose of pomp, you will love this album.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.