I usually don't like to say that (superstitious ?), but I think Massacre Records signed its best ever melodic metal band. At the end of the first play, this band reminds me the first album of DreamEvil (DragonSlayer), Kenziner (Timescape) , King Kobra (Ready To Strike) or Joshua (Surrender). Firewind plays a wonderful US melodic power metal, supported by a typical American sound.

Firewind is powered by the genius Greek guitarist Gus G. (21 year old), who joined forces with Ex-Kenziner vocalist Stephen Fredrick and drummer Brian Harris. Fellow Greek Konstanine adds the bass on the band's impressive debut album Between Heaven & Hell. The vocals of Stephen are f*cking unbelievable and it is so good to know the guy is back. After its excellent performance with Kenziner, Stephen delivers here THE vocal performance of the year. Holy shit, this guy knows how to transmit emotions. Two thumbs up man, two thumbs up !!!

Of course, the best voice in the world becomes "anonymous" without a strong song writing. I don't know if these guys have been touched by the Gods, but the songs on Between Heaven & Hell are marvelous, heavy, catchy, melodic, head-banging time guaranteed and even the "power ballads" knock me down. The opener title track delivers the ambiance : welcome to US power metal.

Warrior (second track) reminds me the best moment of Liege Lord : what a chorus my friends and what a voice, what a VOICE !!! World Of Conflict (third track) is a wonderful mid-tempo track, accompanied by topnotch guitar solos. Except the last track of the album, Who Am I - a power ballad being too "sweet & sour" for me - this album will be the summer hit. Firewind Raging (8th song), with the power guitar riffs strikes & solos, simply leaves me speechless. The instrumental track (Northern Sky) confirms these musicians have the required talent to write melodic songs. Don't forget to check Tomorrow Can Wait, this track reminding me so much the first King Kobra album.

Scorpions' cover (Pictured Life) is also unbelievable. This track waked me up my deepest souvenirs : that was back in 1979 - I was 12 - as my father was buying a book, I was impressed by a wall "filled" with the new Scorpions live album (Tokyo Tapes). My father catch my eyes in front of this wall and bought me this album. Since then, my heart goes for ... metal. Ooops sorry for that, but Firewind performance is so perfect on Pictured Life, that I drove you inside my flashback. Thank you so much guys for this gift ;))

Ah, just before I go, Gus G. is known for its appearances on albums with Mystic Prophecy and Dream Evil (yes ! the guitarist). The dream-team build up with Stephen Fredrick is a perfect match. Initiated by producer David T. Chastain, who knew that Stephen' s voice would give the tracks an extra dimension, push me to told you that Massacre Records signed their best metal band since a long time. Let's put superstitious aside as I am already dying for the next one. Firewind is a brand new band ... but their debut reminds me Hammerfall, Kenziner & DreamEvil debut album. Not a bad comparison, don't you think ?

Just one thought : how the guy will now decide this song goes to DreamEvil and this one goes to Firewind ?