• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Firestorm are a new Italian band playing a rather florid style of proggy Power Metal that is pretty common of the region. This band was actually formed back in the year 2000, when this sort of music was more popular and well received, but they are apparently only just now releasing their debut album in Web of Deceit, and while it isn't at all horrible or even that bad, it just doesn't manage to incite much excitement in this reviewer. The basic formula utilized here is a typical Italian one, with some speedy tendencies, some slowed-down parts and a very melodious lead guitar base, and a thin, papery production job. Also worth noting are the vocals, which are very prominent here, although sometimes they take on an almost whispering tone that I don't like very much - although singer Riccardo Curzi's rather frail, high pitched whine does manage to invoke a bit of Robert Tiranti or Roy Khan at some points.

The album's main problem, though, is just that it is pretty boring. There isn't a whole lot here you couldn't find anywhere else, really; just listen to some Labyrinth or Vision Divine instead. It does get a bit better toward the second half, with songs like the very good "Salomè," the introspective "Beyond Every Rational Thought" and the emotional ballad "Shadows in my Mind" sticking out as listenable and even kind of fun, but the first few songs just sort of plod on, and that doesn't give the listener a whole lot of hope. This album is pretty decent, but it lacks any sort of punch to make you want to listen to it again. Better luck next time, guys.