-->
Search this site:

 

Ring Of Fire - Battle Of Leningrad

Label: Frontiers
Format: CD download
Released: 2014
Reviewed By: Mark Gromen
Rating: 7/ 10


Loved the ’02 “Dreamtower” CD from this neo-classical supergroup, whose music is equal parts Yngwie Malmsteen and Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Comprised of singer Mark Boals (ex-Royal Hunt, ex-Malmsteen), guitarist Tony MacAlpine (M.A.R.S. and Shrapnel solo recording artist) and Vitalij Kuprij (keyboards, Artension), who are joined by Timo Tolkki (ex-Stratovarius) on bass, Ring Of Fire’s fourth studio album (first in nine years!) is a ten song arc concerning the failed Nazi siege/invasion of the Russian city of Leningrad (now known as St. Petersburg).

 

Know it’s not a very uplifting subject, but too many depressed/restrained numbers. Sabaton has showed that military obsessed lyrics can walk the line between rousing and respectfully poignant. Like most neo-shredders, the best moments here are the upbeat, fingers flying episodes (be it MacAlpine’s axe, or Kuprij’s ivories), ala ‘They’re Calling Your Name’, which is also punctuated by thundering drums, ‘No Way Out’ and ‘Where Angels Play’. Despite the musicianship on display, only two selections break the six minute barrier and the title track, just barely. At 7:41,‘Firewind’ is the lengthiest song. Snippets of legitimate classical works are sprinkled throughout the disc, lending to the Continental/Russo feel. A piano/keyboard driven ‘Empire’ steps away from the usual, opting for a more progressive slant. The ballad ‘Land Of Frozen Tears’ moves the story along, recounting the hardships endured by the citizens. ‘Our World’ is another piano ballad and the closing ‘Rain’ is anticlimactic. Despite the context, little firepower!

 
© 2020 MetalAsylum.net