Review Summary: Heavy metal gloss done right
Rave In Fire may not play the sort of techno that their name would imply, but their sophomore album is delivered with a very pristine heavy metal style. Square One expands upon the polished aspects merely hinted at on 2022’s Sons Of A Lie, presenting a somewhat digitized vision that thickens the guitar and bass tones while bringing out the synths. Contemporary comparisons could be made to similar developments made by groups like Hitten, Midnight Dice, and Bergfried, but it really ends up sounding like an alternate late eighties Priest or Scorpions as fronted by Doro.
Such a premise would suggest the band watering themselves down, but it only seems to have amped their intensity. The guitars are particularly energetic, throwing down plenty of sweeping chugs and exuberant leads. The vocals also come out more confident, having a more upfront presence compared to their last outing that breathes life into the more upfront hooks. The rhythm section may not be as flashy in comparison but the drums in particular show off some strong hustle.
And with songwriting that favors snappy pacing, in-your-face choruses, and occasional atmospheric flourishes, you’ve got an onslaught of tracks primed for your next workout montage. “Still Standing” and “Knightwalker” hit a mix of upbeat determination and glossy choruses that really channel some ‘what if Pat Benatar but metal’ vibes while “Witches’ Hell” has the sort of synthesized bounce somewhere between Turbo and Rocky. The band’s speedy side is also well represented as “Dark Poison” is a moody scorcher while “Untiring Eagles” (won’t even front, ‘untiring’ is an odd word choice) cranks that Priest influence up to full-on power metal.
Overall, Square One is a strong release that exercises classic metal influence without the most obvious go-to’s. While I might be exaggerating some of the album’s cyber metal aspects, it’s really neat to see how the band makes the processed elements work in their favor. Their musicianship and songwriting have tight synergy and even if their influences are still identifiable, it feels less generic than their previous outings. Strongly recommended to the other five people in the world who seek a modern hybrid of Turbo and Savage Amusement.
