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A big name in the metal scene thanks to fret-rapist Gus G, Greek Power Metallers Firewind get a lot of credit for this, their third record of ball-busting mayhem, but it's actually quite a boring affair when put up against their later, more accessible work like Allegiance and even Days Of Defiance. Thing is, part of what makes Firewind a good band is vocalist Apollo Papathanasio, who was yet to join them at this point. Here we have another itinerant frontman in the shape of Chity Somapala, whose voice I have never particularly liked (except on the Civilization One album). Forged By Fire is not among his best work, as his vocals are drowned out by Gus's huge riffs and spotlight solos, but then again the vocal lines are nothing special, and there are no catchy choruses until "Tyranny", which is the highlight here along with shredding instrumental "Feast Of The Savages", which features the talents of the legendary Marty Friedman.

The production is top notch and some of the riffs grab you from the get go (opener "Kill To Live" certainly has you by the short hairs), and in "The Forgotten Memory" and even "Escape From Tomorrow" some genuinely good melodies surface from the potage of multi-layered guitars, but things seem (and forgive me for saying this) just a touch too heavy for Power Metal. A better example of this can be found in what Mystic Prophecy did after Gus left. Anyway, if you're new to Firewind, pick up Allegiance and see how enjoyable this band can be. Power metallers might want to hear "Tyranny" if they are yet to, but otherwise there's nothing too exhilarating here.