CD review FIRESPAWN "Shadow Realms"

(8/10) When a bunch of death metal maniacs comes together to start a new band, than this is something that needs attention.

Firespawn is such a new band, founded by nobody less than Alex Impaler from Necrophobic, Victor Brandt and LG Petrov from Entombed AD, Fredrik Fokare (Unleashed) and Matte Modin (Raise Fist).

It took the guys a while to find the right name for the band and after discussing quite some ideas Firespawn won.

These guys came together to have some fun, some beers and play some more oldschool death metal. But in contradiction to my assumption the album isn't that much inspired by Swedish death metal. It's more the first wave of American death metal that builds the base for Firespawn's songs.

The relaxed way of working resulted in eleven outstanding tracks that are all on "Shadow Realms"; the debut of the five-piece band. As the band stated on a Facebook posting "Shadow Realms" is build on three main pillars: "Dedication, Discipline and Death Metal". This actually sums up the album pretty good.

The album starts dramatic. "The Emperor"' is announced by a dark fanfare before hell breaks loose. This blazing fast metal track marks the start of this well done longplayer.

"Imperial Burning" is next. Speed is reduced; something that fits very well. The old Florida vibe is coming back in this slow groove monster.

"Contemplate Death" gives the listener a moment of silence. This acoustic inbetween number a well done break to breathe esp. since "All Hail" is another riff-based wrecking ball.

The most brutal tune is kept till the end. "Infernal Eternal" is short and to the point. It's probably the most uncompromising track on the band's debut and a well done closer.

Firespawn released an excellent debut. Those guys wrote "Shadow Realms" because they enjoyed what they did. "Dedication, Disciple and Death Metal" .... can't say it better.

(8/10)

Tracklist:

1. The Emporer
2. Imperial Burning
3. Lucifer has Spoken
4. Spirit of the Black Tide
5. Contemplate Death
6. All Hail
7. Ruination
8. Necromance
9. Shadow realms
10. Ginnunga
11. Infernal Eternal

Label: Century Media

Genre: Death Metal

Release Date EU: November 13th, 2015