Artist: Firebrand Super Rock
Title: Self Titled
Type: Album
Label: Self Released

Firebrand Super Rock first came to my notice when I caught them at Bloodstock in 2008. That afternoon they completely blew me away and weren’t far off being the best band of the whole festival. Roll forward three years, with two or three more cracking live shows and a fine four track EP in between, and the FSR full length debut has arrived – and I’m just as blown away as I was in the stifling heat of that tent, somewhere in a Derbyshire field. A plethora of stunning riffs, a hatful of exhilarating solos, Laura Donnelly’s compelling vocal attack and a stack of top notch songs.

This self-titled debut is a monster heavy metal record, just as proud and powerful as it should be. There’s been one line-up change since that aforementioned EP, with Andrew Scott taking over behind the kit from Bruce Urquhart – and he’s taken up the challenge with real aplomb, bringing a new adrenaline charged thunder to the FSR sound.

Thankfully the band have managed to find a producer who really understands their music and Ramage’s work has brought out the very best in these fine songs. In particular Jamie Gilchrist’s brilliant solos have been given the razor edge required to slice through the dense, lead heavy underlay provided by Scott’s drums and Frazer Marr’s bass and really shine. I’m not going to pick out songs for individual mention because every one is a highlight in its own right; you don’t find many albums with this sheer level of consistent quality. FSR have surpassed my hopes and expectations and delivered a magnificent debut, worthy of their incendiary live shows. For real groove-laden, thrill packed heavy metal – look no further.

http://www.myspace.com/firebrandsuperrock

Chris Kee

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