Emotional Fire – ‘Rising’

(RN Records)

If you’re anything like me, you’ll know the feeling: you hit play on an album and within seconds you can tell whether it’s going to be one of those listens. The kind where the choruses land just right, the guitars shimmer without being flashy for the sake of it, and the songs feel like they’ve been written by people who genuinely understand what melodic rock is supposed to do, lift you up, punch you in the heart and leave you humming long after the final track fades.

That’s exactly what Emotional Fire’s Rising delivers. It’s a record that sits proudly in the AOR / Melodic Rock genre, not trying to reinvent the wheel, but absolutely making sure that wheel is polished, tuned and rolling at full speed. This is a collection of songs built on strong hooks, crisp production and that unmistakable blend of drama and melody that keeps this genre alive and kicking.

And let’s be honest here before we even get into the riffs, the choruses and the glossy keyboard layers this album has a major weapon in its arsenal: Therés Enström.

Therés Enström’s voice is the heart of Rising. It’s the kind of vocal performance that reminds you why singers matter so much in this genre. You can have all the guitars in the world, but if the voice doesn’t sell the emotion, it’s just noise dressed up in leather.

Therés has that rare combination of qualities that’s hard to fake –warmth, emotive phrasing and power when it’s needed. She doesn’t over sing for the sake of it, but when the songs call for that extra push those big, open-throttle chorus moments she rises to it effortlessly. There’s a sincerity in her delivery that pulls you in and she gives the songs character rather than just “performing” them.

In many ways, Rising feels built around her strengths: the verses allow her to draw you close and the choruses let her soar. It’s melodic rock with a human heartbeat.

Musically, Emotional Fire know exactly what they’re doing. Rising is packed with clean, melodic guitar work, tight rhythms and tasteful keys that add depth without drowning the mix in syrup. It’s polished but not sterile. The best AOR records always sound like they’ve had care put into them and that’s the case here. Everything feels intentional.

The guitars have that bright, punchy tone that works so well for this style with enough bite to give the tracks momentum but never straying into harshness. The rhythm section stays locked in, giving the songs that steady drive that keeps your foot tapping, while the melodic elements, those layered harmonies and hooks, do the heavy lifting emotionally.

And the choruses? That’s where Rising really earns its stripes. Emotional Fire understand the golden rule of melodic rock: if the chorus doesn’t hit, the song doesn’t hit. These choruses are built to stick, the kind you find yourself singing back even on a first listen. That’s not accidental it’s craftsmanship.

One of the most satisfying things about Rising is how well it holds together as an album. There’s a natural rise-and-fall to the pacing: energetic, fist-pumping tracks sit alongside more reflective moments, giving you that classic AOR dynamic. You get the sense the band didn’t just throw a bunch of songs into a running order they shaped it into something that feels like a journey.

The upbeat material brings the energy and swagger, with driving rhythms and big melodic payoffs, while the more emotional cuts allow Therés to lean into the warmth and vulnerability in her voice. Those quieter or more mid-tempo moments are where the album often surprises you, because it’s not just about being anthemic it’s about being felt.

And that’s where Emotional Fire stand out. Plenty of melodic rock bands can write a catchy chorus, but not all of them can deliver genuine emotional weight without slipping into cheese. Rising walks that line beautifully.

Production-wise, Rising hits the sweet spot for modern melodic rock. It’s clean and punchy, with enough shine to make everything pop, but there’s still enough grit and warmth to stop it sounding like it’s been assembled by robots.

The vocals sit perfectly in the mix, front and centre where they should be, while the guitars retain clarity and presence. The drums have that tight snap that keeps everything moving and the keys add atmosphere without taking over. It’s a sound that respects the genre’s roots while still feeling contemporary enough to stand tall alongside today’s best melodic rock releases.

‘Like A Phoenix’ is a perfect opener that sets the tone straight away uplifting, melodic and built for the big chorus. Therés Enström sounds instantly commanding here, warm and confident, with that “rising up” spirit baked into every line.

‘Turn Around (And Walk Away)’ has a sharper edge, with a firmer bite in the guitars and a real sense of tension in the verses. The chorus hits hard, and Therés adds attitude without losing that emotional pull she brings so naturally.

‘Neon Glow’ is pure AOR ear candy. Glossy, hooky and impossible not to nod along to. The melodies shine, the production sparkles and the chorus has that late-night-drive vibe where everything feels just a little bigger.

‘Fire In Your Eyes’ is a proper melodic rocker. The energy ramps up, the rhythm section pushes it forward, and the vocal is powerful and Therés absolutely lifts the chorus into anthem territory.

‘I Want You Here With Me’ provides a more heartfelt turn, leaning into the emotional core of the album. The vocals are the star here been intimate in the quieter moments, then opening up beautifully as the song grows. Classic AOR emotion done right.

‘The Beast In Me’ is darker and heavier in tone, with a brooding groove underneath. There’s a real bite to the delivery and Therés brings a tougher edge that suits the theme perfectly. One of the album’s most dramatic tracks.

‘Don’t Lose Yourself’ – Motivational melodic rock at its best, big, bright and built to inspire. The chorus feels designed for fists in the air and the layered melodies make it one of the most instantly memorable tracks here.

‘What’s This Life?’ is a reflective mid-tempo moment that gives the album breathing space. The lyrical mood comes through strongly, and Therés delivers with sincerity, no overdoing it, just pure feeling and control.

‘Be With You’ is pure melodic warmth with its smooth verses, a chorus that wraps around you and a comforting tone that shows the band’s softer side. It’s one of those tracks that sneaks up on you and ends up a favourite.

‘Somebody’ is punchier and a more direct rocker that brings the tempo back up. Tight, catchy and driven by a chorus that sticks after one listen. Great balance of energy and melody.

‘Will You Be There’ is a strong closer with a sense of resolution it’s emotional, soaring and built around Therés’ ability to deliver both vulnerability and power. A satisfying final statement that leaves you wanting to spin the album again.

At the end of the day, Rising is exactly what you want from an album in this genre: melody, heart, energy and big choruses you can live inside for a while. Emotional Fire deliver a record that feels like it was made by people who love melodic rock and understand why it matters.

But the real clincher is Therés Enström. Her voice elevates these songs from “good” to “memorable.” Warm, emotive and powerful when needed, she gives Rising its soul and, in a genre, built on emotional connection as much as musical hooks, that’s everything.

If you’re an AOR fan craving a record that feels uplifting without being lightweight, polished without being sterile and powerful without losing its heart, then Rising deserves a place in your rotation. A strong melodic rock release with a standout vocal performance and choruses that deliver the goods.

9/10

Essential Track – ‘Turn Around (And Walk Away)’

Review by Woody