Neoclassical power metal band Stormwind from Sweden was founded in the mid ’90s by Thomas Wolf. They were the first Swedish rock band to perform at the Cannes film festival.
The band lists many former members, some of whom have impressive resumes including Joakim Broden (ex Sabaton) and Zepp Urgard (ex Yngwie Malmsteen) among others.
The band has had a more stable lineup in recent years and have an impressive discography which consists of 6 full-length albums and a live album “Legacy” released in 2004, from their performance at the Sweden Rock Festival.
In 2021 the band is releasing a remastered version of this live album which brings us to the review at hand. I had not listened to Stormwind previously, and rather than go back to previous releases for comparison, my approach was to listen to this remastered live album on its own merits.
The album begins with the sounds of the crowd, and an epic build-up in the intro “Rising Symphony”. It instantly makes me want to see these guys at a festival with the full atmosphere.
With “Touch the Flame” you get a heavy energetic track with incredible soaring vocals, sprinklings of the neoclassical guitar style throughout the song give you a taste of exactly who this band is. This track is my favourite on the album, it has the energy and anthemic quality that would instantly capture the attention of a live audience.
The album then shifts to a different feel for the track “Samurai” heavier, slightly slower riffs provide the foundation to highlight the incredible ability of guitarist Thomas Wolf and vocalist Thomas Vikstrom. We are then treated to an epic chanting intro for “Strangers from the Sea” which quickly throws you back into another furious heavy metal riff, triumphant vocals and one of the most epic guitar solos on the album.
Another track that needs a mention is “Streets of Prishtine”. A slower, and less heavy song, which carries you away from the rich tones and power of Vikstrom’s voice. Whilst I had not listened to Stormwind before, I have heard Vikstrom’s vocal ability in Therion, however, I have to say that his vocals really do stand out more than ever in Stormwind.
“Tears of Passion” is a beautiful instrumental track that evokes emotion, it’s as if the guitar strings are connected to the heart and conjures up the deepest feelings.
The album ends with “Miramar” which has a playful folk-like melody, and again the guitars carry you away with a wistful and delicate song, very reminiscent of Jason Becker in style. Beautiful!
In conclusion, I am very pleased that I was asked to review this album, as I really did enjoy every minute of it and it’s compelled me to travel back through the band’s discography to discover other treasure in their back catalogue. The quality of the live recording and production of this re-mastered album is impressive.
Recommended for fans of Jason Becker, Malmsteen, Hammerfall, and epic power metal.
Tracklisting:
1.Rising Symphony
2.Touch the Flames
3.Samurai
4.Strangers from the Sea
5.The Man Behind the Iron Mask
6.Streets of Prishtine
7.Ship of Salvation
8.Excalibur
9.Tears of Passion
10.Satyricon
11.Miramar
Stormwind: Facebook
Release Year: 2021
Label: Black Lodge Records
Category: Album
Country: Germany
Reviewed by ForsakenMisery
