Review Summary: Maybe On Fire it is not a masterpiece, but of course the band has a potential to create it. Melodic Power Metal fans has to check it.
Melodic female fronted metal group Mastercastle's latest album On Fire is their first musical outing with drummer John Macaluso (Ark, Yngwie Malmsteen). John's notable drumming has made for a great addition to those recordings that he has previously performed on. With the contributions of Mastercastle's well skilled new drummer along with the alluring vocals of Giorgia Gueglio, guitarist Pier Gonella and bass player Steve Vawamas they have ensured that the final result is the creation of a gripping contemporary sounding new Mastercastle release.
The guitar work of Pier Gonella is very impressive and the spotlight is shone on him with the inclusion of two favourable instrumentals with "Almost a Fantasy" and the colourful vibrancy of "The Final Battle" as he is given more freedom to show what a tasteful and diverse musician he is. Pier is a founding member of Mastercastle and has performed with other metal acts including the excellent Italian power metal group Labyrinth. Being quite the versatile player Pier is also the guitarist for the extreme metal band Necrodeath.
The opening track "Silver Eyes" shows Mastercastle is off to a flyer, while the second track "Chains" grooves along at mid rocking pace as do "Leaden Roads and "Titanium Wings". On Fire is a fitting album title especially in relation to the brisk track "Quicksilver" which promptly surges along propelled by Macaluso's kick pedals and the bass of Vawamas while guitarist Pier gets his neo-classical hat on. "Gold Violet" is much slower and quite tranquil in comparison at times including a most suited guitar solo.
There are also two instrumentals, The Final Battle and Almost A Fantasy, where the guitarplayer Gonella displays his significant guitar skills. Last one is a "rock remake" of the famous Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata.
You'll note that the other songs have some metal or reference to metal in the title. Lyricist Gueglio intended to write a concept album around metal, metallurgy, and alchemy. But she discovered that the words turned more sentiment and emotion, "the passion of making music in a difficult world." Considering the strength and pure entertainment value of these songs, any band could use a bit more of her passion. The songs with that burning rock groove leap from speakers with huge melodies and vocal arrangements.
The quality of the material presented on On Fire should ensure that this album will receive the same kind of favourable reviews which Mastercastle's previous release have been awarded.
