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FLAMEBEARER
Fire On The Horizon EP

Self-released (2022)
Rating: 7/10

I know of this relatively new London, England-based act through guitarist Alastair Riddell, who’s now become somewhat of a veteran on the UK doom metal scene having featured for numerous bands ranging from Mourn and Decomposed to Age Of Taurus and Brule among others.

Riddell cuts a distinctive figure with that cotton-candy beard, long locks and Iron Maiden obsession, which I hope he’ll thank me for saying! Imagine Santa… I mean, Satan Claus adorned in faded denim jacket but sporting wizard-like qualities, and that sums up Alastair the warlock. Alongside Riddell we have former Oak vocalist Andrew Valiant, who comes complete with a moniker like something better suited to a 70s British wrestler. Propping up the rear-guard on skins is Thiago Pinho, and the bass duties are handled by Dom Bailey. Together these guys make a thunderous noise that the yoof of today may deem as “stoner metal” but I find such a term derogatory knowing the influences of these guys.

What you get here are four tracks which shift between Corrosion Of Conformity fat rolls, Trouble and Black Sabbath, but all the more stark and honest. Opener ‘Across The Ocean’ has a 70s vibe; authentic in its lumbering majesty and streaked with a fizzing solo. Valiant isn’t afraid to flirt with a grittier Rob Zombie or Glen Danzig vocal style, but without the satanic cartoon cheese. Meanwhile, ‘Pledge To All’ rattles with purpose, effectively channelling the rumbles of classic Trouble only with the psychedelia or morose nature trimmed off, but it’s still engaging.

In spite of the band members being influenced by doom metal this is an EP that never reaches down to that level of melancholy or gloom. Instead, it remains steely yet exuberant in its riffs, and more so in its percussion in spite of those moments which trudge. But it’s also far removed from the more frazzled, sun-baked stoner grooves many of us have become accustomed to as well.

In a sense, Flamebearer successfully prowls that middle level, happily galloping as with ‘Tears Of Angels’ where Valiant’s vocals take on more of a sneer. And musically there are New Wave Of British Heavy Metal flickers, almost stripped back which isn’t always to its benefit because at times it all feels a tad no frills in certain departments despite the nutrients provided by the meat and potatoes. Even so, as ‘Cave Of Birds (Outro)’ creeps there’s a suggestion that these guys may, in future, adhere to more sinister vibes which I’d like to hear.

‘Cave Of Birds (Outro)’ creaks with majesty, the guitar work soars in grandiose fashion to eerie, sniping narration, but it’s the track which conjures the most atmosphere and if anything this would have been even greater as an intro. However, as it stands ‘Cave Of Birds (Outro)’ teases, heaves and then fades to silence leaving me gagging for more.

Neil Arnold

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