Wings Of Steel is a young band from LA, which first caught my attention last year, when a five-song eponymous EP was released. Now, just over a year later, the guys are self-releasing their full-length debut Gates Of Twilight, which not just fulfills but surpasses the potential shown on the EP.
The style is US melodic power metal close to Crimson Glory or Fifth Angel, with very strong vocals by Leo Unnermark. Songs like the opening track Liar In Love or the first single Cry Of the Damned are built upon memorable riffs, power chords and fantastic solos by Parker Halub, who also plays the bass parts. There is one specific influence in Wings Of Steel’s music, which distinguishes this band in the overcrowded scene – the hard rock and blues touches. Garden Of Eden, Leather And Lace or Into The Sun show real diversity in the guitar parts and vocal lines, which even brings Led Zeppelin or Scorpions to mind, while the power ballads She Cries (the harmony guitars at 3:20 nearly made me cry with joy) and Slave Of Sorrows even made me think of Steelheart. Fall In Line and the title track are probably the heaviest and most epic ones, and that is where the Crimson Glory influence manifests itself most.
This is a band and an album that I strongly recommend and I am sure the name Wings Of Steel will be mentioned often from now on. It’s a mystery why this fantastic release is not backed by a strong label, because these guys know what they’re doing and they deserve it. It becomes more and more difficult to show individuality in a genre with so many classic and beloved albums, but Gates Of Twilight is pure class.
8,5/10
Gates Of Twilight is out now and can be ordered from HERE
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