As much as I wish I can say I was there for Wings of Steel since day 1, I can’t. See, when you’re as bombarded by music like I am, it’s hard to keep track of every band, every release, every release date, and so forth. Wings of Steel are a band whose name I’d heard uttered in NWOTHM circles, and subsequently filed in the “Check ’em out later” category. “Later” didn’t come until the past year or so, when some close friends whose musical opinions I trust told me to take a listen to their debut album, Gates of Twilight (2023). And boy, was I missing out.
Upon first listen, I became obsessed with Gates of Twilight. Whereas far too many NWOTHM acts adhere strictly to the Priest/Maiden formula, resulting in albums that sound sterile and forced, Wings of Steel are all over the place in the best way possible. Their riffs, arrangements, and melodies (emphasis on that aspect) flow naturally. Hell, even the production channels the glory of ’80s arena metal. At any given point on Gates, one could draw parallels to Queensrÿche, Crimson Glory, Lizzy Borden, Leatherwolf, and so forth, yet without ever being able to pick out a moment that plagiarized any of the aforementioned acts. Needless to say, the bar was set high for their sophomore album, Winds of Time…perhaps too high.
Winds is anything but a sophomore slump. Yet again, the songs are strong, the performances are meticulous, and again, the production is perhaps the most authentic ’80s sounding in metal to date. In the same breath, there are obvious differences between Winds and its predecessor. For one, Winds comes off as an album fully conscious and molded by the NWOTHM scene, whereas Gates doesn’t. This results in a heavier, fiercer album as a whole, but not necessarily better, as again, parameters are adhered to. Something I loved about Gates was this underlying blues metal swagger à la Whitesnake or Great White. That’s all but gone now, which is a real shame, because it sure gave this band a unique edge and a strong character.
In its place are songs that run the gamut from Warning era Queensrÿche prog metal majesty (the opening title track, “Burning Sands”) to lumbering doom metal (“Lights Go Out”). Despite the predictable Enforcer esque nature of high speed headbangers like “Saints and Sinners” and “To Die in Holy War”, Wings of Steel manage to make their second offering an invigorating one, yet again fluctuating between styles with ease and bringing some serious heat per usual. As mentioned earlier, there is an increased spotlight on technicality, particularly that of guitarist Parker Halub, who goes to town on every one of these songs. The solos are more Yngwie than Yngwie has been in years!
Though I selfishly hoped for more than one slice of metallized AOR (“Crying” – Those harmonies! Holy smokes!), I’d be a fool to hyper fixate on Winds of Time any further. Wings of Steel have yet again taken flight, soaring over the vast majority of the NWOTHM crop with a kick-axe collection of throwback metal mania. Considering they just landed a high profile slot opening for Sabaton on their upcoming spring U.S. tour, I seriously see big things happening for this band in the future. If Ghost and Sleep Token can take over the megadomes of this great republic, there’s no reason Wings of Steel can’t!
8 out of 10
Label: High Roller Records
Genre: Heavy Metal
For fans of: Queensrÿche, Crimson Glory, Leatherwolf