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AFM Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 28.03.2018
If there's a triumvirate of legendary German hard rock and metal bands, it would probably include Bonfire, with Accept and Scorpions. As Bonfire, the band has been producing albums and touring consistently for better than 30 years, with founder and guitarist Hans Ziller the main constant. They return with their fifteenth studio album Temple Of Lies, the second with new vocalist Alexx Stahl.
Honestly, I haven't heard a Bonfire album since 2008's The Rauber, a melodic hard rock opera and something of a curve ball from Ziller and company. But most of us know Bonfire as a traditional melodic hard rock band. With Temple Of Lies, Bonfire seems to be swinging more towards melodic heavy metal, infused with a hard rock groove. The twin guitar riffage seems more expansive and sharp, while still remaining harmonious. The bottom end of the rhythm section comes on bold and strong, bringing power to the guitar lines like a V8 engine to a car. Adding to this complexity, the synth lines add another layer of density. Unfortunately, all this vigorous intensity and energy brings a casualty. Although he sings clean, melodic, and strong, Alexx Stahl is often overwhelmed by the music. Nevertheless, the songs still sound epic and awesome.
Again, Bonfire and Temple Of Lies is guitar-driven melodic heavy metal firmly guided by a hard rock groove and wrapped in AOR accessibility with sweet melodies and catchy refrains. All these things are heard in I'll Never Be Loved By You, Temple Of Lies, Fly Away, and Love The Way You Hate Me as some of my favorite examples. There's something of a heavy metal ballad with Comin' Home where, in the lighter parts, vocalist Stahl is heard much better. In the end, excepting the tough mix for the vocals, Bonfire's Temple Of Lies fine and entertaining album of power melodic heavy metal. It's probably the best Bonfire album I've heard in sometime. Easily recommended.
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Bonfire and Temple Of Lies is guitar-driven melodic heavy metal firmly guided by a hard rock groove and wrapped in AOR accessibility with sweet melodies and catchy refrains. Easily recommended.
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