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LANCER
Tempest

Fireflash (2023)
Rating: 8.5/10

It’s been a long six years since Swedish metallers Lancer caressed and corrupted our ears with their third full-length album Mastery. Hard to believe also that in that time Lancer has appointed a new vocalist, Jack L. Stroem (Vandor), who joined in 2019, as did drummer Pontus Andrén. The only original member here is guitarist Fredrik Kelemen, although bass player Emil Öberg joined in 2012 and guitarist Per-Owe “Ewo” Solvelius (Trident) joined three years later.

The thing about Lancer is that when changes are made they are positive and reflected in the sound displayed. Of course, there has always been something of the grandiose and theatrical about Lancer as they continue to channel old school values mixed with those titanic and deadly speedier chimes. The quintet also conjures up varying shades and moods by applying subtle changes to their already potent branding.

For the softer side of the band you experience the majestic balladry of the title track, a triumphant and soulful slow-builder showcasing the rich tones of Stroem. His croons are wistfully backed by warm acoustics, spiralling solos and a twinkling piano, all of which combine and ascend like vast shafts of light which pierce the clouds.

‘The Grand Masquerade’ delightfully lopes across the sun-drenched horizon; light and airy and outrageously catchy as it builds with a harmless briskness. And that’s the key here, the comforting melodious structures which hold the listener in a warm embrace. However, this record doesn’t just exist on pleasureful pomp and a song like ‘Blind Faith’ rumbles harder but still brings joy with its illuminated chorus.

This is how power metal should be delivered – rich, fiery and wholesome and never once does it alienate or freeze the listener by all too glossy and mechanical cheese. Instead, this album chugs with a blazing energy, even with such joyous mid-tempo delights as ‘We Furiously Reign’ and ‘Entity’, both driven by the strong bass and percussion. ‘Fan The Flames’ rumbles heroically, but of all the tracks it’s opener ‘Purest Power’ which delivers the most wonderful of meaty chugs , the result being a borderline thrash track with one leaden foot firmly placed in power metal territory.

One does sense that Lancer is just a tad restrained throughout the album and not quite in first gear, even with pacier numbers like ‘Out Of The Sun’, but even so, the return of Lancer is important and far less frostier than many of its rivals. With somewhat of a glowing aura Tempest makes huge strides into the arena, but it’s energy and warm charisma which overcomes the enemy and not the glint of a bloody sword which some may have expected.

Neil Arnold

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