Before forming Christian metal heavyweights Whitecross, guitarist Rex Carroll led a secular band named Fierce Heart. They released their self titled debut in 1985. Equal parts melodic and rocking, Fierce Heart was similar to the likes of Alcatrazz and Cobra. They had the makings of an arena rock band, but much like Alcatrazz and Cobra, never ascended to such heights. The band fizzled out, never to be heard from again…or so we thought.
35 years later, Carroll has resurrected the Fierce Heart moniker and released their long awaited followup, War for the World. I must begin this review by saying while War may be a followup to the 1985 album in name, it certainly doesn’t feel like it. Carroll is the only remaining member from the original lineup. Furthermore, War lacks the AOR sheen present on the debut. Instead, we get a fun, anthemic hard rock album which is by no means bad. It just seems out of place as a Fierce Heart album. Perhaps this is what Carroll intended the debut to sound like, but resorted to the AOR production to appease the powers that be?
One thing this album does have in common with its predecessor is an intro instrumental. On the debut, it was “Echoes”. On War, it’s “Into the Sun”. Both tracks are straight to the point shred clinics and surefire proof that Carroll graduated from the University of Eddie Van Halen. From there on, it’s a one way ticket to old school city. “Built for Speed” boasts chunky metallic riffs reminiscent of Vandenberg and Dokken. Meanwhile, “Power to Rock” and a reworking of the classic “Out for Blood” are mid tempo, anthemic hard rockers, equally showcasing the shred abilities of Carroll and hot shot vocals of Bob Reynolds.
While War mostly stays true to the 80s spirit, it’s not without its surprises. I’m not talking the obligatory power ballad (emphasis on “power”) that is “Lost Inside Your Love”. I’m talking about the 70s soul of “Bad Child” and “Long Time”. These tracks sound less like tailored 80s arena rockers and more like metallic takes on lost Humble Pie songs. No complaints here! Every rocker needs a bit of soul! As far as the southern twanged “Rest My Bones” goes, I’m indifferent.
Whether or not I feel this is a “true” Fierce Heart album doesn’t matter. What matters is Rex Carroll and company have made an old school hard rock record that doesn’t totally suck. War for the World is the perfect balance of shred and melody that’ll appeal to both guitar nerds and those who are just looking for a good time on a Friday night. In the immortal words of W.A.S.P.’s Chris Holmes, “Hey dude, let’s party!”
6 out of 10
Label: Dark Star Records
Genre: Hard Rock
For fans of: Dokken, Vandenberg, Storm Force