• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

This is a very pleasant surprise. I'd never heard of Germany's Fatal Fire prior to their debut album, Arson, but after several listens I'm sure glad it found its way to me. This band plays bare-knuckled, no-frills power metal and they are adept at letting the crunch be heard without losing any melody, whether they are playing at top speed ("Destruction") or slowing things to a rolling boil ("Crossroads"). There are no keyboards to round off rough edges and some of the riffs are sharp enough to cut flesh. Singer Svenja Rohmann is a find, possessing a clear, powerful delivery with the right amount of grit when a line needs a little extra emphasis. Arson is proof that you don't need a lot of fancy studio effects or overblown storytelling to make a compelling album. Good songs, musical chops, and putting your heart and soul into your performance is all a band needs, and Fatal Fire hit the target on all three. Fans of Jenner, Crystal Viper, Primal Fear, and other bands that get right down to the business of kicking ass should seek this one out.