Fierce Heart – ‘War For The World’

(Dark Star Records)

Who waits twenty-five years between albums? Fierce Heart! That’s who, it seems fan interest has inspired the resurrection of this cult rock act whose 1985 debut album is highly regarded by many. After a lack lustre response back in the day saw the band dissolve as members moved onto other projects most notably guitarist Rex Carrol who went onto the highly successful Whitecross.

The return of the band sees them as a bigger jacked up metallic beast than you remember them from back in the day. This is just a reflection of modern times, better production overall – it’s not a departure more a natural evolution of the band. This is exactly how I’d expect the band to sound if they had stayed together over the years. Think along the lines of the decades of evolution of Judas Priest, they are still Priest but not identical to their roots! Their re-recorded version of album stand out ‘Out For Blood’ is a great example of the band now whilst displaying their roots!

‘War For The World’ is full of stirring screeching guitar’s, energising fist pumping choruses and invigorating vocals. The years of experience shine through with guitarist Rex Carrol’s work throughout the album being of supreme quality, chunky riffs, hook filled lines and screaming solos. Robert Reynold’s vocals take things up a notch too, his voice is perfect for this brand of melodic metal, powerful, gritty and always melodious.

It may not be the greatest album ever recorded but there is something about this eighties infused album that makes it an essential listen to anyone for a penchant for eighties rock. It definitely pays fan service and gives those unrepentant fans of their debut album more of what that want albeit with an up-to-date production and years of experience added to the song writing.

Enjoy it for what it is and I’m sure rockers like ‘Built For Speed’, ‘Just Got Lucky’ and ballads like ‘Lost Inside Your Love’ will get stuck in your head.

I have a real soft spot for Fierce Heart and this is a great album, best enjoyed loud! But I do feel it gets a bit repetitive so when they are on fire, they burn the house down, but when they fall into a familiar rhythm, they become a little bland. I still highly recommend this though for fans of powerful driven melodic metal! Raise your fists!

Review By Woody