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FER DE LANCE “Fires On The Mountainside”
FER DE LANCE “Fires On The Mountainside”
by Mercyful Mike
Enrico Leccese and his label Cruz Del Sur Music have an impeccable track record for putting out only the finest metal the genre has to offer, so you can imagine my excitement when presented with the latest offering from Chicago’s FER DE LANCE. Seeing the CDSM moniker is basically a disclaimer stating this album will blow me away. So, did it?
“Fires On The Mountainside” kicks off with the monumental, 13 minute title track. Massively ballsy move, but it works. This song sets the stage for the entire experience, as well as establishing a huge, gorgeous soundscape. There is the immediate urge to compare FER DE LANCE to BATHORY or ATLANTEAN KODEX, but there are also nods to early WHILE HEAVEN WEPT and even GRAND MAGUS. Those names alone should justify the use of “atmospheric” to describe what has been created. I dare say there is a bit of later day EMPEROR infused into the production as well, which plays to the album perfectly.
By the time “Death Thrives (Where Walls Divide)” arrives, we are treated to what I feel is some of the very best guitar soloing on the record. Shifting styles on a dime, MP Papai and J Geist play off each other seamlessly, proving they know exactly where they want to take the listener, and how they want them to feel. This entire album is packed with emotion, but it’s subtleties like this that let you know they are sincere in crafting each composition.
Brilliantly playing up the organ style of RAINBOW and URIAH HEEP, “The Feast Of Echoes” takes care of anyone looking for that signature 70’s vibe. It is also with this particular track that I finally realize that the vocals of MP Papai run parallel to the great Brian “Butch” Balich of the mighty ARGUS. Commanding yet emotional, these are the types of pipes you want when delivering such glorious tales.
“Tempest Stele” closes out the album with beautiful, Spanish influenced playing that brings this album not only to a perfect conclusion but instantly begs to start from the beginning again. That is the sign of a truly well composed piece of music.
So, did “Fires On The Mountainside” blow me away? You bet your ass it did. All comparisons aside, FER DE LANCE has crafted a modern masterpiece of doomy, epic metal that will undoubtedly land on many year-end lists, mine included. Now, I could go on in further detail about what’s to be found within the grooves of this record, but what fun would that be for you? I hate spoilers, and once you give “Fires On The Mountainside” a few good spins, you’ll thank me for not revealing all it has to offer…
Score: 10/10
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