Ring Of Fire: Battle Of Leningrad

You hear the phrase Super Group all too readily these days. However I'd argue that there really isn't another description for any band featuring the vocal talents of one time Yngwie and Royal Hunt man Mark Boals and guitarist extraordinaire Tony MacAlpine. Add to that the keyboard whizz Vitalij Kuprij (Artension), the bass talent of Timo Tolkki (Stratovarius) and drumming of Jami Huovinen (Sentiment) and Ring Of Fire are an outfit to be reckoned with. After combining with MacAlpine on his aptly titled solo album, Ring Of Fire, Boals recorded the first album from the band which took that solo album's name, featuring George Bellas of UFO on guitars for The Oracle. Although MacAlpine returned for Dreamtower and Lapse of Reality, the latter being released in 2004.

So the best part of a decade down the line and RoF are back, Boals and MacAlpine rejoined by Kuprij, who also appeared on this band's first two albums. Known for a Neo-Symphonic style, there's no great step change here, the basic blueprint being soaring vocals, thunderous drums and fiery guitar-key interplay, with huge gang vocals to seal the deal. However what you can be assured of is that with the ridiculous standard of musicianship on display, the results spark and bite with energy; Boals delivering every word with a self assured confidence that embellishes a concept based round the bloody, barbaric struggle over Leningrad during World War II – hence Battle For Leningrad.

Gory and almost beyond belief as it is, the concept lends itself superbly to this bombastic, yet at times introspective setting and the subject is handled well. Boals gives real heart and soul to tales both personal and global in consequence, while the drama afforded by the music hits the mark with equal precision. The likes of "Mother Russia", "Empire", "Firewind" and the excellent title track bristling with a pride which echoes that of the city's inhabitants during these awful times and serves as fitting tribute.

It isn't however all foot to the floor, huge chorused sabre rattling, keyboard and voice often coming to the fore in a more considered and emotional style, with the different musical aspects combined expertly across the likes of "Land Of Frozen Tears" or "Our World". However there's no denying that it is the all out assaults that make the strongest impact and live longest in the memory on Battle For Leningrad; something that will leave fans of this genre completely satisfied.

There are many, possibly too many albums and bands operating in this crowded market, however every now and again an album comes around that reminds us why we came to be seduced by this style in the first place. While not quite up to classic standard, Battle For Leningrad from Ring Of Fire is certainly one of those albums.

Track Listing
1. Mother Russia
2. They're Calling Your Name
3. Empire; Land Of Frozen Tears
4. Firewind
5. Where Angels Play
6. Battle Of Leningrad
7. No Way Out
8. Our World
9. Rain

Added: April 5th 2014
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Mark Boals Music
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Language: english

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