The Fire of Power Metal Burns Bright!
With Fatal Fire, one of Germany’s most promising power metal newcomers is preparing to leave a clear mark on the metal landscape with an extremely successful debut. The band was founded in 2020 and used the time of the pandemic for mature songwriting before making a name for themselves at over 20 concerts and festival shows nationwide in 22/23.
This album is bursting with enthusiasm. The 8 power metal songs, with some thrash and a lot of speed metal leanings, are instrumentally dominated by two-voiced leads and distinctive solos. Svenja’s unique voice gives the whole thing an extra dose of dynamism, as she is able to cover both melodic and rocky tones.
“Arson” was recorded and produced in the “Bazement Studio” in Strinz-Trinitatis by Markus Teske, who has also forged albums by Vandenplas, Kambrium, The New Roses, Mob Rules and others.
LINEUP
Svenja Rohmann- Vocals
Tim Kremer- Guitars
Valentyn Subotovic- Guitars
Dennis Nerding- Bass
Till Felden- Drums
REVIEW
From one of metal’s most crowded and most endearing scenes, Germany, comes FATAL FIRE, a band that I admit I’m not familiar with. Finding new music is always exciting though, and that is rewarding in and of itself.
While not typically a fan of digi-art covers, I have to say that the one for “Arson” works well. The flames from the burning pyre leading up to the inflamed band logo is a great touch as well, and speaking of the logo, I like it a lot. It’s simple, but still got those sharp edges and spikes to remind you what metal is all about.
We begin with “Destruction”, which aptly wastes precisely zero moments before unleashing a really gnarly sounding riff, and eventually giving way to some excellent melodies. The guitars were on point for sure, and the impending arrival of Rohmann’s vox was eagerly awaited, and she delivered in spades. There’s a strong Doro influence there, and I love it. What I like most about the vocals and everything here is the mix, nothing overpowers anything else, and it gives the album a really great polished sound, without being overly so. Rohmann also shows she can belt it out near the 3 minute mark! The drumming of Till Felden was pulling no punches at all. For being a debut album, you’d think FATAL FIRE had been playing together for years, it’s all so tight and crisp. A ripper of a guitar solo at the tail end of the song (complete with a Kirk Hammett approved wah-wah!) bookends a hell of an opener!
After that we had “Ashes Remain”, and a solid dirty riff kicked it off. The added harmonies from the guitar in the background really takes it to the next level. It’s like if CHILDREN OF BODOM had clean vocals. Really got into the delivery of the vocals on this track a lot, and the persistent onslaught of the drums and bass, like a valiant cavalry charge. I once more have to reiterate how well FATAL FIRE is meshing with me, they really sound like vaunted vets.
Our third track was “Dawn of Fate”. To begin things this go-around, we got some great little dueling melodic guitar work from Kremer and Subotovic, before Rohmann arrived with her set of pipes. Lyrically, this one is super catchy and infectious, but less in what they are and more in how they’re delivered. It’s glorious. Back to the lyrics for this one, but they really sound like something Dio would sing (albeit not as a speed metal song lol). Nerding’s basswork did some heavy lifting in the background as well, and he’s got the rhythm part of the bass down pat. I’d like to see him get his time to shine!
Then we found ourselves at the “Crossroads”, which begins with a thunderous drum solo (always a great thing to see/hear!). It’s a bit more of a grooving song, kept at a relatively mid-tempo with Felden’s drums a real standout throughout the runtime of a brisk 3:38. Overall, while not my favorite track on the album, the drums were addicting and the guitar solo near the end was a nice cherry on top.
To begin the second half of “Arson”, we enter the “Sea of Damnation”. And woo-wee that riff in the beginning is mouth-wateringly crisp. For some reason, this one reminded me a bit of early BLIND GUARDIAN (when they were in their speed metal phase), but I was able to pick up on some Hansi influence in Rohmann’s vox. Also, as a sucker for ambient sounds being added into my music, I loved the wood creaking in the background near the mid-point. It’s just neato. Those high notes at the 3 minute mark were god-tier stuff! The facemelter of a solo afterwards, a fast paced tapper, was once again excellent.
Prep your ozone, because next up was “Meteorites”. Solid riffage as usual to kick things off, followed by some oh-oh-ohs, before the vocals come in properly. I really dig the rhythm and the feel of this one, if that makes sense. Just that feeling that you get when a song hits just right. Again, I have to profess just how impressed I am with FATAL FIRE on the whole so far! This motley crew is so tight and crisp sounding, it’s bonkers that this is their debut release. The track comes to an end with a Rock Band (the game) approved Big Rock Ending!
Next came “Kingslayer”, more great riffs to start off before Rohmann unleashes a proper banshee’s wail. Ooh, I love the title drop! It’s fierce and wonderful. The guitars are definitely at the forefront of the barrage of metal in this one, unleashing an otherworldly solo. I’ve chosen to believe that this song is about Jaime Lannister from Game of Thrones. Really love Rohmann’s voice in this one!
Our final piece of “Arson” comes courtesy of “Ardent Wave”. In a nice change of pace, this one opened with some great acoustic work on the guitar, which is always a treat to hear. Rohmann’s voice comes out with a melancholic vigor behind it that really helps this track stand out from the rest. Ooh, those drums and that bend as the songs goes electric are exceptional. The solo even stands out from all the rest on the record, being much more subdued and ballad-appropriate (it rules). I have hereby decided to decree this track as the MOAB (Mother of All Bangers) on “Arson”. Seriously this is an absolute showstealer, and should not be missed, even if power/thrash isn’t your thing.
CONCLUSION
Bit of a sleeper hit for me! I have to admit when I first saw the album art, I expect some pretty meh stuff, but FATAL FIRE really blew me away, proving once again to not judge an album by its art. The vocals were soaring, and the drums stampeding, while the guitars unleashes volley after volley of impending solos of doom, and the bass kept up the attack with a constant barrage. The only real drawback is wishing that bass had more of a time to shine throughout the track.
Side note: Check out the YouTube or Bandcamp links below to find an acoustic version of “Ashes Remain”
TheNWOTHM Score: 9/10
FATAL FIRE’s “Arson” releases on 28 March, 2024
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The Nwothm 
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