A while back, I was reading an interview with my good friend and High Spirits mastermind, Chris Black. In this interview regarding his then new Professor Black solo albums, Black proposed a new metal subgenre (as if we needed anymore to begin with): singer-songwriter metal. As wild as that descriptor sounds on paper, think of it in the context of bands like ’90s Bathory, Running Wild, and Headless Children era W.A.S.P. This was deeply introspective metal, both lyrically and musically, that was more the reflection of one individual rather than that of a band proper.
Why do I bring this up? Because this descriptor so perfectly captures the essence of today’s “band” in review, Flamekeeper. I use the term band figuratively here, as Flamekeeper is rather the one man manifestation of Demonomancy guitarist and growler, Marco Sulluzzo. Whereas Demonomancy sees Sulluzzo unleashing bestial black metal hell under his Witches Whipping alter ego, Flamekeeper is a vehicle that’s far more dynamic, thought provoking, and flat out grandiose. Their namesake debut album is a masterclass in “singer-songwriter metal” that’s guaranteed to leave metalheads talking for quite some time.
Everything about Flamekeeper, from its instrumentation and atmosphere to its production and arrangements, is epic. Now when I use the term “epic”, I don’t mean in a bizarre Manilla Road or Cirith Ungol context, but rather simply over the top. For a one man affair, this album sounds HUGE. This is made evident from the opening “New Wild World”, which immediately captivates with its power metal riffage and anthemic delivery. As the viking metal tinged hymns that are “Flamekeeper” and “Us and Them (The Song of the Voiceless)” take hold, these pomp leanings are further enforced, letting the listener know it’s go big or go home.
Admittedly, I can understand how this approach can be overbearing to some, especially those who prefer their metal on the sonically extreme side of the spectrum. However, at a little over 30 minutes, I have to hand it to Flamekeeper for not just making an epic album, but doing so without boring us to tears. Whether it be the ethereal bliss of “The Golden Spark”, fierce rage of “Death, You’ll Tremble to Take Me”, or bloodlust of “As One with Light”, Flamekeeper charms with an otherworldly concoction of intoxicating melodies, emotional performances, and exotic instrumentation. The latter trope draws from acts as diverse as the aforementioned ’90s Bathory and Running Wild to Blind Guardian and celtic era Gary Moore.
Comparisons aside, Flamekeeper accomplishes this while simultaneously establishing a style that is distinctly his/theirs. Call me a sentimental fool, but the soul-stirring aura that envelopes this entire album grips me in a manner that few metal releases this decade thus far has. If Judas Priest hadn’t released the utterly brilliant Invincible Shield, it would have a serious chance at being our album of the year. Nevertheless, I’ll be shocked if Flamekeeper somehow doesn’t end up in our Top 10 of 2024. Keep burning Marco!
10 out of 10
Label: Invictus Productions
Genre: Epic Heavy Metal
For fans of: Bathory, Running Wild, Blind Guardian