MARK BOALS - RING OF FIRE

1. RING OF FIRE [4.02]
A track firmly seated in neo-classical territory mixed with the signature keyboard work of Vitalij Kuprij that was honed to perfection in Artension. The track was written by Boals and Macalpine and is as good as anything off 'War To End All Wars' with the kind of chorus that that album was lacking in abundance - "The celestial flame is burning, Ring Of Fire forever turning, The unquenchable desire born of wisdom in the Ring Of Fire". The majestic chorus recalls the best material from the 'Trilogy' album and that best sums up the quality. The solo section promised to be something special and Macalpine and Vitalij do not disappoint! Phrase after phrase comes flying out at you and its another reminder of another aspect of the current Malmsteen sound that is missing. A great opener.

2. ATLANTIS [7.35]
A track that wouldn't be out of place on any of the Artension albums and one look at the track credits shows why. 'Atlantis' is co-written by Boals and Kuprij and the track again oozes quality. Taking a slower heavier approach 'Atlantis' crosses several territories and is a showcase for Boals vocals skills. The production it must be pointed out is top notch with no drop outs or dodgy mix. The track lyrically tells the tale of searching for the city of 'Atlantis' all the time mixed up with an infectious keyboard pattern whilst Macalpine keeps the rhythm pumped. "Atlantis where did you go? The whole world is longing to know. Beauty and grace Aquarius waits for your return". The solo section is again awesome with great keyboard and guitar solo battles. A majestic orchestral interlude enters 5 minutes in which then proceeds to boost the solo trade offs to even mightier highs! The superb chorus sees the track out and its one of the highlights of Boals career.

3. BRINGER OF PAIN [4.03]
A heavily neo-classical sounding track that recalls the glories of 'Queen In Love' to these ears, musically its nothing like it but it has the same addictive vocal play. "Crossing the line between pleasure and pain, Love me to death or just drive me insane. Wrapped up in chains tortured and maimed, just like the Marques de Sade you're my bringer of pain". The track has some of the double tracked vocals as heard on 'War To End All Wars' only they sound better here. 'Bringer Of Pain' is another neo-classical success.

4. BETRAYER [3.36]
The album goes into even heavier territories with a pummeling riff and low end that just slams you into submission. However, Boals knows the beauty of light and shade and so makes the bridge an uplifting melodic affair before slamming you again. "You're the Betrayer, telling your lies, The Betrayer its all a disguise". Fans of Judas Priest should dig the more straight forward nature of this track and Boals sounds a little like Halford on the chorus. Macalpine throws in all manner of arpeggios on the melodic moments before going hell bent on the power grooves a good short attack.

5. KEEPER OF THE FLAME [4.59]
Starting out with haunting acoustic guitar before drums and bass enter creates a big sound. Boals vocals complete the picture with some Dio esque lyrics - "In a tower that's high on the mountain, that nobody knows cause its so far away, Lies the house of the keeper of fire...". Boals vocals are divine here showcasing his great dictation and perfect vibrato. The track then takes a 'Black album' era Metallica sound on board before heading into Dream Theater territories for the anthemic chorus that sees Kuprij's keyboards play a vital role. The guitar solo is dark and mystical and shows that Macalpine is not short of great licks played with taste. But its the winning chorus that makes this track so good. A highlight.

6. THE HUNTED [3.18]
A track more in the classic metal mold than the previous tunes. Pretty straight forward and rocking especially on the catchy chorus - "Run, run like the hunted the prowler is angry tonight. Run, run like the hunted, you better run for your life". The chorus treads close to Iron Maiden territory before Kuprij's swirling keyboard solo and classical interlude quash any such comparisons. Macalpine follows suit accordingly with all manner of special effects before the chorus kicks back in. A good brief rocker.

7. THE QUEST [4.11]
'The Quest' almost steps into Rhapsody territories with its medieval metal intro before a slow crushing riff takes over. The lyrics are what you'd expect with the title and tell the tale of a warrior hoping to find his glory but is hampered by a dragon which leads to mighty battle. The track is another showcase for Boals' excellent vocals. Yet another solo trade off works to perfection [sounds like Macalpine and Kuprij could keep the duels going for weeks at a time!]. The chorus is totally majestic and the highlight of this excellent track.

8. DREAMER [6.10]
Another slow pulsating riff opens before the track clears to leave Marks vocals alone with Vitalij delicate keys. The track picks up tempo for the quite glorious chorus which is again better than any on 'War To End All Wars'. A great melodic solo starts off before the tempo picks with the finesse now expected and Macalpine shows his skills to the max, but its still Boals' vocals that are the star of this track. A bit of an epic of a track with a chorus that makes it timeless!

9. DEATH ROW [3.42]
'Death Row' has a feel that is reminiscent of some of the material on 'Magica' by Dio. The chorus however is pretty unique with an unusual bounce to it. The lyrics are as hinted at by the title about being on death row, the twist comes in that the lyrics are about the thoughts in the head of the character on death row. A good track that is the most straightforward on the album.

10. ALONE [5.16]
A chilling track that is very sparse for the verse, this brings a cold feel to the track that is completely captivating. Alone the lines of some of the material on the Johansson album 'The Last Viking', Boals' delivery is reminiscent of Goran Edman too. The guitar section is another showcase of Macalpine's taste and its totally suited, it reminded me of John Petrucci's best moments. Another highlight of the album. "Now I feel so alone, I've lost all that I've known, Its so lonely all by myself".

11. BATTLE OF THE TITAN [3.25]
The tempo picks up again to close the album in fine neo-classical glory. Sounding like a mix of 'Liar' with the more melodic moments of 'Alchemy' the song ferocious tempo and melodic vocals gives a very confident impression of the band knowing what they want. The solo section is pure Artension however and gives a nice slant to the track. A good closing track.