What was it that made Yngwie Malmsteen such a legend and household name (albeit a hard to pronounce one)? It’s easy to argue that it was his pioneering neoclassical guitar techniques and fiery temper, but I’d argue that it goes beyond this. What Malmsteen had an amazing knack for (once upon a time) was surrounding himself with musicians who were equally as superior on their respective instruments as he, as well as penning songs with timeless hooks and melodies. Any schmuck can sweep pick arpeggios until their fingers fall off. It takes a genius to write “I’ll See the Light Tonight” or “You Don’t Remember, I’ll Never Forget” or “Judas”. And it’s these qualities that separate Fili Bibiano from the rest of the Malmsteen worship crop.
Every now and then, there will be an album I’ve reviewed on this here webzine that, upon revisitation, I’d rate higher. One such album is Don’t Spare the Wicked, the debut album from Fili Bibiano’s Fortress (not to be confused with all the Fortresses that AREN’T his). I gave it a respectable 7 out of 10 upon its release, which is far from shabby. That being said, as the years passed and the album became a regular spin, my assessment went from “This is a solid trad metal album.” to “This is the greatest Alcatrazz album never made.” This is all the more reason why, come the arrival of their long-awaited sophomore release, Death Is Your Master, I couldn’t press play fast enough.
In the half-decade since we last heard from Fili and the gang, there have been some personnel changes within the Fortress. In keeping with the Malmsteen tradition (I’m only joking), there is a new singer in the form of one Juan Aguila. Ironically, whereas last frontman Chris Scott Nunez was a dead ringer for Graham Bonnet, in terms of tone and delivery, Aguila bears a closer resemblance to Malmsteen’s first Rising Force singer, Jeff Scott Soto. Subsequently, the frenzied speed of “Flesh and Dagger”, proto-power metal stamina of “Savage Sword”, and neoclassical decorated glitz of “Maze” sound straight off Yngwie’s storied sophomore, Marching Out (1985).
Similar to its predecessor, Death also boasts its fair share of melodic metal forays to even things out. The lengthy “Fugitive” sounds less Yngwie and more Dokken, boasting that Sunset Strip crunch straight out of 1983 and six-string trickery reminiscent of prime George Lynch. The aptly titled “Night City” takes this angle even further, teetering on the edge of AOR with its nocturnal atmosphere and old school synths. Original frontman Nunez makes a guest appearance on the rip-roaring “Blackest Night”, before the ferocious power-speed of “B.Y.O.D.” brings this affair to a crushing close, recalling the neck-snapping tactics of U.S. warriors Liege Lord.
On Death Is Your Master, Bibiano takes his Fortress to even greater heights of metallic majesty, returning to the scene with stronger songs, punchier production, and a more focused unit. The latter is a tad ironic, considering this release sees Bibiano handling guitars, bass, keyboards, and backing vocals. Perhaps its just a matter of this superstar shredder cultivating an even clearer vision with maturity. Whatever the case may be, Death Is Your Master is a masterful of old school neoclassical supremacy, guaranteed to unleash the fucking fury!
9 out of 10
Label: High Roller Records
Genre: Heavy Metal
For fans of: Yngwie Malmsteen, Alcatrazz, Dokken