Firewind's latest effort is the first with new vocalist Apollo Papathanasio. The Greek power metal band has created their most wide ranging and diverse album to date. Guitar wizard Gus G. (Dream Evil, Arch Enemy) showcases his chops, but the rest of the band shines as well.
Allegiance has a lot of up-tempo and polished power metal songs that are really melodic and catchy but still have a bit of an edge. There's also a ballad or two and a few mid-tempo AOR/melodic rock style tracks. The CD has a lot of really memorable choruses and strong hooks.
Papathansio's vocals sound a lot like David Coverdale from Whitesnake. They have a bluesy feel in the lower register, but he can also nail the high notes. Firewind hasn't made any dramatic leaps forward, but they improve steadily on each release, and this is their strongest one yet.
