Heavy metal long has been a rallying cry, a means to rouse the people who have been crushed underfoot to refuse to accept that treatment and unite to battle back. It’s something that still lives in metal’s DNA, even if that element isn’t as upfront as it used to be, and it’s something to add fuel to the us vs them factor.

Italian force Flamekeeper, the brainchild of Marco S. Vermiglio (vocalist, guitarist, bassist, synth player), reminds me a little bit of Haunt, a throwback style of band helmed by a musician who cut his teeth elsewhere. It’s a project that reaches back into metal’s formative years for both sound and message, and it stands in defiance against forces that aim to weigh us down. It’s music that easily could have lived comfortably alongside Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Helloween many decades ago and not seemed out of place, and its spirit cannot be denied. Here, Vermiglio is joined by Jesus Minhava (guitars, acoustic guitars, Portuguese guitar and Axel Johansson (drums) to round out a project and record that easily could inspire personal power and strength within whoever takes a chance on this music.

“New Wild World” starts with fiery horns calling before everything ignites, Vermiglio’s singing rising above everything and pumping energy. The chorus surges, backed by fiery guitars and some unexpected lap pedal steel, giving off a classic metal feel and a frosty finish. “Flamekeeper,” a band anthem of sorts, explodes with energy, Vermiglio wailing, “I am your soul, I am your fire,” as the playing chugs energy. Guitars lather as the chorus bustles anew, jarring with power before a rousing end. “The Golden Spark” begins mystically with powerful singing, the bass trudging, and a glorious blast of guitars. Another strong chorus ensures an emotional price will be paid, the guitars lather and bubble, and driving drums push the boundaries to the end. “Raise the Banner” opens with guitars exploding, grittier singing, and an assault that goes for broke. The leads multiply and are set ablaze, group shouts rouse, and the final strains leave welts.

“Stray Yet Still Free” starts with folkish guitars and a spirited gust, giving off a very European feel that’s utterly infectious. Melodies encircle as the energy bursts, snaking through and making adrenaline spike. “Us and Them (The Song of the Voiceless)” has guitars lathering and the pace surging from the start, the vibe both catchy and defiant. Guitars rip and rush as the pace gets more volcanic, unifying cries of, “Us!” acting as a uniting force to give the strength to keep fighting. “Death, You’ll Tremble to Take Me” pulses and also brings a rustic sense, carrying on the spirit of the previous track, rousing over the chorus as Vermiglio taunts, “I know you are following me.” The refusal to succumb is a blood pumper as guitars blaze, the promise for a fight to the end stabbed as a punishing promise. “As One With Light” basks in synth and group “oh-oh” calls, the pace lightning up, punches landing as acoustics add texture. Flames lick and cause you to shield your face, and then the power floods anew, slipping into the light. Closer “The Roads of Rome” brings horns calling, the melodies lathering, and a darker ambiance spreading. The singing surges as the pace jars, the chorus stinging before acoustics take over, ending with a rush of power.

The drive to present as something defiant and resilient is splashed all over Flamekeeper’s self-titled debut record, and it’s impossible to listen to this thing and not feel yourself roused spiritually to fight back. Metal classically has served this kind of role ever since its inception, but seeing a band unabashedly show that side and separate themselves from the gloom and doom feels rather fresh in 2024. There also is a rawness to the band’s exuberant power, and that adds an edge to their metallic might.

For more on the band, go here: https://www.facebook.com/flamekeeperofficial

To buy the album, go here: https://invictusproductions.net/collections/invictus-releases

For more on the label, go here: https://invictusproductions.net/