Lancer
Tempest – Fireflash Records
With bands such as Lancer releasing consistently strong albums, it’s hardly surprising that
heavy metal is one of Sweden’s biggest exports. Full-length number four, the aptly-titled
Tempest, finds the band further honing their craft, and with new vocalist Jack L. Stroem at the
helm, the record feels like a rebirth. With drums and bass beating a military tattoo, opening blast
‘Purest Power’ arrives with the force of an invading army, and plants their flag firmly in power
metal territory. With only two tracks running (briefly) under five minutes, Tempest veers towards
the epic, but it is a form that suits Lancer and each song is a soundscape placing vivid images
in your mind’s eye. With a full, luxurious production that places the bass centre stage, this
record recalls classic Helloween, and is packed full of guitar solos you wish would continue into
perpetuity. This is an album that’s been assembled with scant regard for prevailing fads and
trends, and is sure to sound vibrant many years hence. Some might lament the album’s singular
vision (it rarely steps outside genre boundaries) yet it benefits from a strong focus, and proving
the old adage true; if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Review by Peter Dennis