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ALCHEMY FIRE
Alchemy Fire
2023 Qumran Records

ALCHEMY FIRE is a new progressive metal band founded by Nottingham, UK guitarist Paul Wright (DEEZL). He teamed up with drummer Tom Schofield (SOIL) and bassist Felipe Kopke (FOR OPHELIA'S DEATH) and then reached out to American vocalist David Reed Watson (KILL RITUAL) to complete the band's lineup, which recorded this self-titled debut album. Additionally, Neil Taylor (CIVILIZATION ONE) provides keyboards. The band lists IRON MAIDEN, HELLOWEEN, QUEENSRYCHE, and JUDAS PRIEST as their influences. You can certainly hear elements of those bands, but for the most part, ALCHEMY FIRE are doing their own thing and creating their own metal beast. Truly, this album is completely unapologetic in its scope; it's up to the listener to keep up with what's going on. And there's a lot going on. As a fan of progressive metal and heavy metal in general, I consider this an asset. The styles on this album range from modern melodic heavy metal to upbeat prog metal to thrash metal.

The album opens with a driving 'theme' song called "Alchemy", (lyric video HERE) which addresses the science of alchemy and some of its history. Wright and Kopke's sweeping riffs, along with Schofield's pummeling drumming (more on the drumming later) are tight and in the pocket. "Modern Hero" follows suit and keeps the tempo fast. The riffs and solos are impressive and engage the listener, while some background keyboards add atmosphere and drama on the fade out. "Dust From Bone" features numerous tempo changes and allows Watson to display his vocals prowess a little more. Thrash elements come to the forefront after each verse and during the solo. The drums on this album and in particular the songs "S.D.R.", "I Am Your Sorrow" and "Native Son" are sure to impress. Any drummers reading need to check this album out and listen to what Tom Schofield is doing, especially with his feet!

Watson kills it on "I Am Your Sorrow" as well, it's possibly his best vocal performance here. I'd name "Native Son" as my favorite track on the album, this song is a total war cry from beginning to end and that solo section is pretty special. "What You Say" keeps the speed metal coming and is another winning track. I love the total onslaught of this song. "Warrior" is up-tempo and features plenty of double bass drumming and riffs galore. The album closes with "Iconoclast", one of the album's strongest tracks and a real progressive tour de force. I wanted this song to go on longer.

All nine songs on Alchemy Fire reside in the four to five minute range, clocking in around 43 minutes total. The album sounds modern and is mixed really well, and there are dynamics here not found on many albums these days. There's really not a bad song on this album. This is quite an impressive debut - I can't wait to hear what this band does next!

4.3 Out Of 5.0