Blackguard – Firefight

Releasedate: 29-03-2011; Label: Victory Records
By: Nina Mende

Canadian metal lords, Blackguard, are here to incinerate the current extreme music scene with their astonishing new album, Firefight. Blackguard’s precise craftsmanship of technical power metal will distinguish them as the new leaders in the vast metal kingdom. Firefight packs an authoritative punch of galloping double bass, blazing guitar solos, soaring orchestral arrangements, and raw vocals.

The new release of Blackguard called “Firefight” seems like all the winter aggression and depressions need to get out of the body and soul. So the singer growls them right at you all the way through the album. Ten tracks full of metal music, growling and – here’s the catch – opera elements in the background. Whether it is a choir, an orchestra or backing vocals sung by an opera singer, Blackguard include several elements of classic music into their fast paced metal music. A little hectic Blackguard rushes through the ten songs on “Firefight”, with abrupt stops caused by the bridge with an orchestra or an opera choir before they continue speeding through the music. This album shakes you wake with their constant stop and go. If you like the combination of metal and classic music, you should give Blackguard and their new album “Firefight” a try.

Line-Up:
Paul “Ablaze” Zinay – lead vocals (2004–present)
Terry “Roadcase” Deschenes – rhythm guitar
Kim Gosselin – lead guitar
Étienne Mailloux – bass guitar
Justine “Juice” Ethier – drums, percussion

Tracklist: 01. Tephra 02. Firefight 03. Farewell 04. Wastelands 05. Cruel Hands 06. Iblis 07. The Fear Of All Flesh 08. A Blinding Light 09. The Path 10. Sarissas

Links:
Blackguard MySpace