Balflare – Downpour

[schema type=”review” name=”Balflare – Downpour” description=”Label: Fastball Music” author=”Sabine van Gameren” pubdate=”2016-05-20″ ]Balflare is a Japanse Speed Metal formation, which started in 2004. The band recently came to Europe with album number four, for the Europeans to enjoy. It is called “Downpour” and is available now.

In Japan they know their Speed and Power Metal and although the band has an international allure you can hear some of that back in their sound. In some of the songs, the vocals reminded me slightly of Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica) but the band has a faster pace and is more vehement also in the atmospheres that they bring. A bit more of ballad is included but the band has one thing in common through the whole album, and that is that they have their tempo up at all times. Much to hear there is, for the fans of remarkable guitarsolos there will be enough to enjoy but also a strong drummer helps to set the scene.

The band brings out these songs with what seems no effort. The sound flows easily and they have enough variation in the album to keep you listening. “Downpour” is a strong album that is of course, filled with clichés but also has a bit of an own face, which keeps it refreshing.

Line up:
Isao Matsuzaki – Drums
Shoota Hashimoto – Guitars, Synthesizers
Leo Yabumoto – Guitars
Eijin Kawazoe – Vocals
Tommy – Keyboards
Takashi Odaira – Bass

Tracklist: 01. Koiranilma 02. Before the Dawn 03. Sate the Heart 04. Lost 05. Unite 06. Crave in the Dark 07. I’m Your Shadow 08. Rain’s Realm 09. Downpour 10. Syzygy 11. From the Edge of Time 12. In the End of Journey

Links:
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