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This is the kind of thing that doesn't do much of anything for me. If the metal world were a college application test, then Firewind would be the guy who got in by the hairs of his chinny chin chin. They used to be really cool, with a heavier riff base and a vocalist who could howl and shriek like a fucking banshee, but all of that is out the window here. I didn't even know these guys had a new album out until I saw it floating around the Internet's rich halls, and sadly, it wouldn't have made a difference even if I had never heard it in the first place.

The Premonition has nothing grating or irritating on it at all, besides the fact that it's so goddamned mediocre. This album is carried forward by strong, well constructed melodies and catchy choruses, but there's nothing here that I haven't heard done better by tons of other bands. There are some good songs here, like shimmering opener "Into the Fire" or the catchy "Mercenary Man," but even then, those are no towering accomplishments for a band like this, whom I know can do much better. I think the biggest problem with this album is vocalist Apollo, who is competent, but most of the time lacks any sort of aggression or fire to his super-clean, radio friendly voice. He's much more of a generic Power Metal singer than previous bellower Stephen "I AM THE AAAAAANNNGGGGEEER" Frederick, and the tons and tons of layers piled on top of his voice don't hide that fact. Sorry, Firewind, you're the weakest link this time around. Goodbye.