Musical Style: Melodic Metal	Produced By: Jani Stefanovic & Flames Of Fire
Record Label: Melodic Passion	Country Of Origin: Sweden, Norway & Finland
Year Released: 2022	Artist Website:
Tracks: 9	Rating: 80%
Running Time: 36:52

Flames Of Fire blend melodic, power, traditional and neo-classical metal with a European flair.  The project of veteran vocalist Christian Liljegren (Narnia, The Waymaker) and guitarist Mats-Åke Andersson (Zaragon) traces to the late eighties and a chance meeting between the two in which they connected over a mutual passion for metal and hard rock music.  The lasting friendship that resulted culminated in Flames Of Fire, with Liljegren and Andersson reaching out to multi-instrumentalist Jani Stefanovic (Solution .45, The Waymaker) in the spring of 2021 to assist on songwriting and production duties.  Second guitarist Stephen Carlson, whom worked with Liljegren on his Melodic Passion solo album, and bassist Per Schelander (House Of Shakira, Astrakhan & Pain Of Salvation) later rounded out the Flames Of Fire lineup.
 
Liljegren came up with the Flames Of Fire moniker in light of not only the shared passion the group possesses for hard music but also the spiritual dimension, referencing how ‘flames of fire’ is the chosen symbol of the holiness of God (Exodus 3:2 and Revelation 2:18).  Songs soon pored forth to the extent within six to seven months Flames Of Fire had enough material for two full-length albums, with the Melodic Passion Records March of 2022 self-titled debut featuring nine of those songs in question.

First, a short (1:23) classical keyboard instrumental entitled “New Dawn”, gives way to one of albums stronger cuts in “Gloria”.  What we have is an exciting four minutes of galloping Maiden-esque riffs and melodic metal sensibilities, starting to a trademark falsetto from Liljegren prior to marching forward to up-tempo hooks and bustling energy to spare.  Interlaced vocal melodies bolster the radiant refrain.  Lyric snippet:

We are the world
Now is the time
To make it happen
In every nation, yes we can

In Gloria, forever Gloria

Albums title track and group signature song “Flames Of Fire” ensues.  Brief at just three minutes but also giving rise to every bit much upbeat energy, it plunges its length to in and out of the mix rhythm guitars and vehement vocals to touch upon light power metal territory.  This is first of several songs that would not sound out of place on any Narnia album.  Lyric snippet:

Time to change my life
I will always fight
From darkness into light
It’s running in my blood
The music is my world
I want to sing out loud

“Madness” represents a favorite with its draw you in on first listen hooks.  With precise drum rolls to start, song sets a pleasant but stalwart mid-paced tone through its warmly tinctured verse sections only to break out in joyous fashion for an exuberant refrain emanating a literal off the chart melody.  A concise stretch of duel lead guitar rounds things out instrumentally.  Lyric snippet:

Here we are, looking for the future
See the star, shines for mankind

Where is your heart?
When fear is striking harder
Reach out your hand
Listen to the Father

“I Am” also ranks among albums best.  Song touches upon a neo-classical vibe, bringing to mind Liljegren’s previous band Golden Resurrection and early Narnia, but also resides upon a darker traditional metal foundation as intricate drumming and technical riffing power its distance.  Layered vocal melodies to repeat songs title lend a contrasting commercial quality.  Lyric snippet:

Where are we going?
We’re close to the edge
Still there is time
Then the King will return

We are waiting for the Kingdome Come
Let your Kingdom Come

“Time To Live” impresses as straight on and no-frills melodic metal.  Yes, it might be a slight notch below albums better material - song does not stick with me to quite the same extent - but it is still good in representing the Flames Of Fire solid musicianship.  Layered guitar harmonies (noting the work of Andersson and Carlson) carry its distance, while a precise bass solo (attributing to Schelander) sets the tone from an instrumental standpoint.  Lyric snippet:

Many years later, we’re still going strong
Friendship forever
Saved by grace
We play for the King
Now and forever

Now is the time to live your life
Live for the King right now

“Solution” is the lone Flames Of Fire foray into progressive territory with its nine-minute span.  A two-minute opening instrumental run gets things going, emotionally flowing to symphonic keyboards and animated bass, ahead of an anthem-like mentality moving ahead in revealing some of albums most pensive moments as a masterful melodic elevates.  Halfway in and song returns to instrumental territory for another duel lead guitar stretch prior to added symphonic keyboards elevating the worshipful signatures taking things to their close.  Lyric snippet:

The master of illusion
Makes you feel confusion
Satan, get away!  I belong to God
In Your arms, You’ll comfort me
You have set me free
Through the cross

The final solution for the world
King of Kings, Lord of Lords
His name is Jesus Christ

“Soldiers Of The King” also touches upon a neo-classical metal vibe.  A lively and victorious mien propels it from the get go, upholding power metal laced riffs to join with lower register baritone vocals (lending a slight medieval quality) and nimble refrain aligning with the bombastic flair to prevail.  Classical flavorings further reinforce the exalted instrumental moments.

Side note: “Soldiers Of The King” is the only song in which the CD mini-booklet does not include the lyrics.

If you enjoy metal ranging from melodic to power to neo-classical to traditional and all things in between, you can do no wrong with Flames Of Fire and its self-titled debut.  Some fantastic material stands out accordingly, including showstoppers “Gloria”, “Madness”, “I Am”, “Solution” and “Soldiers Of The King”.  Further building upon the quality is the able musicianship and production.  Lone complaint is that in featuring just seven-full length songs and two short instrumentals, album is on the abbreviated side and could have been rounded out with an additional song or two.  Still, if a fan of the forms of metal presented or any project to feature Liljegren, then Flames Of Fire comes with a strong recommendation.

Review by Andrew Rockwell   

Track Listing: “New Dawn” (1:23), “Gloria” (4:06), “Flames Of Fire” (3:10), “Madness” (3:47), “I Am” (4:22), “Time To Live” (3:59), “Solution” (9:38), “Soldiers Of The King” (4:55), “End Theme” (1:30_

Musicians
Christian Liljegren - Lead Vocals
Mats-Åke Andersson - Guitars
Stephen Carlson - Guitars
Per Schelander - Bass
Jani Stefanovic - Drums, Guitars & Keyboards