The Secret Fire is my first foray into the power-metal of Black Tower. People have called them punk-metal at times, but I've found this classification a bit off as the punk aspect of the band's minimal at best. Calling it subtle would even be overstating. That said, this record is one that'll have me looking into their archives because it's a raging beast but also, one that's heavily influenced by J.R.R. Tolkien's writing, particularly "The Hobbit".

Speedy riffs, galloping drums and a caustic approach through three-layered vocals make for a remarkable experience. Tracks like "Death March" and "The Dark Lord" contain eclectic solos and it's this intricacy that propels the record forward. Erin Ewing's vocals are shrill at times and blend perfectly into Skottie Lobotomy's (bassist) to give a flexible feel to the album. Dave William's vocals also add some pretty unconventional flair as well while he double-kicks things up a notch. The record's quite a journey as they detail the steps to a big battle and it's this theatrical element that would certainly hype geeks like myself up. Cinematic to say the least.

The tracks aren't too long as well, which allow the record enough space to breathe and provide you ample time to let the concept they're carving out sink in. They own the stories, retooling and re-adapting as their own, even though they're not originals. It's a nice storytelling lesson to see and hear Black Tower twist this up. As the self-titled acoustic ends things, it's highly obvious that this band have some creative chops which need to be explored even more. Wovenhand's Refractory Obdurate is a record I loved last year and this album throws me back to it. It says a lot about Black Tower and their endless imagination. They feel bound by nothing and this is definitely a good thing. Eager to hear them tell their own tales the next time around...