Album Review: Feuerschwanz – Warriors (Napalm Records)

To celebrate the band’s 20th anniversary, German band, Feuerschwanz, will release the special album, ‘Warriors’, with all lyrics in English, on May 3rd, 2024. It features the brand-new song “The Unholy Grail”, a cover of the Assassin’s Creed classic “Valhalla Calling” by Miracle Of Sound, as well as ten of the band’s greatest hits in English. Across the album, the band also welcomes top-class guests, such as Chris Harms (Lord Of The Lost), Francesco Cavalieri (Wind Rose), Dominum, Orden Ogan and Patty Gurdy.

A very cool idea, especially when it comes to celebrating such an important date in a career. Feuerschwanz have selected ten choice cuts from their immense history, a ‘best of compilation’ so to speak, and given them a fresh flavour through the power of the English language.

Which might make the record seem redundant listening for fans, except the use of English does give these tracks a different feel. Plus, let’s not forget that the likes Highlander, Memento Mori, Circlepit of Hell, Purgatory, and SGFRD Dragonslayer are absolute bangers. Although you’d be hard pressed to not find a track on this album that doesn’t go hard.

Also, who could ignore the brand-new track, The Unholy Grail which features Dominum of Orden Ogan? A power metal banger that fills the soul with an inordinate amount of buoyancy. Brilliantly catchy and delightfully powerful, there’s nothing complex here, it’s just Feuerschwanz doing what do best… delivering big metal anthems.

To cap off the entire enjoyable experience of this album, not only do we have some mighty fine guests like Lord of the Lost’s Chris Harms, Wind Rose’s Francesco Cavalieri, and Patty Gurdy, we also have Valhalla Calling. A cover of Miracle of Sound’s Assassin’s Creed classic that fits Feuerschwanz perfectly, and is one of the coolest pieces on the entire album.

From beginning to end, it doesn’t stop being fun, and it might be the most consistently anthemic release of 2024.

Love or hate what they do, prefer their more comedic early days, or simply find yourself enamoured with their sound, the impact Feuerschwanz have had on the wider metal world is impossible to ignore. Which makes this album a must-listen for naysayers and a nice to listen for the hardcore faithful. Everyone has something they will enjoy here, so don’t be miserable, come and join in the celebration of 20 years of Feuerschwanz!

Feuerschwanz – Warriors Track Listing:

1. Highlander (English Version)
2. The Unholy Grail (feat. Dominum of Orden Ogan)
3. The Forgotten Commandment
4. Memento Mori (English Version, feat. Chris Harms of Lord of the Lost)
5. Death on the Dragonship
6. Wardwarf (feat. Francesco Cavalieri of Wind Rose)
7. Circlepit of Hell
8. Song of Ice and Fire (feat. Patty Gurdy)
9. Purgatory
10. Bastard of Asgard
11. SGFRD Dragonslayer (English Version)
12. Valhalla Calling (Assassin’s Creed – Miracle Of Sound Cover)

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