Gunfire - Age of Supremacy

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Active in their first incarnation from 1981-1986, the resurrection of Italy’s GUNFIRE occurred in 2001. Finally releasing a debut album with 2004’s “Thunder of War”, the current lineup only has one original member left in vocalist Roberto ‘Drake’ Borrelli. So here we have before us the follow up full-length in “Age of Supremacy” – and I’m curious to hear what this Power Metal outfit offers their fans in 2014.

At 67 minutes, these 10 tracks contain all the requisite hallmarks of Classic Heavy Metal – the strong and smart use of double bass, rhythms that are spirited and militant in terms of power, bass play that is equally impressive as well as those multi-part vocal chorus harmonies that are necessary for audience participation and retention. Roberto’s range is high caliber, impressively hitting high notes easily and stirs up memories of Biff Byford and Bruce Dickinson.

As far as the music end of things, GUNFIRE take equal cues from ACCEPT, IRON MAIDEN, and SAXON come into focus, along with an 80’s Epic/Power element that recalls the early QUEENSRYCHE or CRIMSON GLORY years. The average cut on here is well over 6 minutes, so expect arrangements that contain longer instrumental sections and slower build-ups / transitions. There are some keyboard/ symphonic elements which aid in atmospheric textures.

Highlights include “Hammer of God” where bassist Michele Mengoni add an interesting bass tapping solo segment amidst the series of up-tempo power riffs and great lead /twin guitar action from Luca Calo and Marcello Lammoglia and the 10 minute plus closer “Exodus” where an a cappella introduction gives way to a Power/Doom platform that would make JAG PANZER fans very proud, the guest female vocals giving Roberto added dynamic inspiration and the echoing/ clean mid-section another brilliant, driving element to the arrangement.

Overall this is very impressive release, marrying the feel of the 1980’s to the technology/ production advantages of the current scene. GUNFIRE should be very proud of “Age of Supremacy”, as well as all Traditional / Epic Metal fans.