Fili Bibiano’s Fortress: Death Is Your Master

Fili Bibiano’s Fortress (previously Fortress) are an American traditional heavy metal band that has been around for about a decade. Death is Your Master is their second full-length, and the follow-up to Don’t Spare The Wicked. High Roller Records only deal in quality, so I’m always eager to check out new albums on their roster.

The album is a great collection of tracks that are founded on strong melodic riffing, head turning guitar leads, and epic vocals. Sonically I get a lot of Yngwie Malmsteen vibes from this one-yes, Fili is a neoclassical style shredder, but I hear the Malmsteen influence beyond just the lead work. There is a similar compositional style and focus on guitar and vocal interplay. If albums such as Trilogy and Marching Out are favourites of yours, don’t hesitate with this one. I also hear shades of classic bands like Judas Priest and some early power metal.

Those that have read my album reviews will know that I enjoy albums that don’t stick around for the sake of it. And this 7 track, ~35 min album is the sort of release that I love to review-I can’t pick a favourite track because the album is full of quality and doesn’t waste a minute.

Early the best album from the ‘New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal’ style I’ve heard this year. Highly recommended

TRACKLISTING:
01 Flesh and Dagger
02 Savage Sword
03 Fugitive
04 Night City
05 Blackest Night (feat. CHRIS NUn'EZ)
06 Maze
07 B.Y.O.D.

Added: February 24th 2026
Reviewer: Chris Reid
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 105
Language: english

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