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Brainstorm: Wall Of Skulls

Power Metal

4.0/5.0

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AFM Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 06.09.2021 | Released: 17.09.2021

Once more we return to southern Germany to revisit with German metal legends Brainstorm. Created better than 30 years ago by guitarists Torsten Ihlenfeld and Milan Loncaric, Brainstorm has been plying their trade with enthusiasm and consistency, releasing twelve albums since their 1997 debut, Hungry. So don't expect a global pandemic to stop them now. Brainstorm returns with their latest and lucky 13th studio album, Wall Of Skulls.

Brainstorm

Lead by a twin guitar assault with thrilling solos, a bombastic rhythm section, Andy Franck's assertive vocals, and a touch of synths, Brainstorm once offers their bombastic power metal. Aside from a soft instrumental intro, the album quickly becomes a tour-de-force of all things fast and heavy. Where Ravens Fly, Escape The Silence, and Turn Off The Silence offer unequivocal power metal speed and intensity. But those last two songs add something new to Brainstorm's repertoire. For the first time, Franck is joined in duet by a fellow metal vocalist. With Escape The Silence it's Peavy Wagner from Rage; for Turn Off The Silence, the guest is Seeb Levermann from Orden Ogan. Additional fast and heavy tunes come with Holding On and End Of My Innocence which has a prominent bass line to propel the groove. But the song also dials back on the speed, something you'll find with Glory Disappears (which also bumps of the vocal harmony). But that doesn't make either song a ballad; they're still heavy and direct. All things considered, Wall Of Skulls finds Germany's Brainstorm at the top of their game delivering quintessential, fast and heavy, power metal. Up the irons! Recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

All things considered, Wall Of Skulls finds Germany's Brainstorm at the top of their game delivering quintessential, fast and heavy, power metal. Up the irons! Recommended.

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Here's a fun fact about Swiss legends, Gotthard: their last 16 releases, excepting their debut album, went to number one in their home country, making them one of Switzerland's most successful acts and ... [ Read More ]

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