Review BATTLE BEAST “Steelbound”

The Finnish rock band Battle Beast recently embarked on a European tour to promote their new album, “Steelbound”, which was released on the same day that the band performed an electrifying show at Fabrik in Hamburg.

Having listened to many of the songs live, let’s take a look at the album as a whole. “Steelbound” features ten songs, and the band stays true to their sound and trademarks. Big arcs of melody and catchy hooks define the music of Noora Louhimo and her bandmates, and these are key features of “Steelbound” too. Combined with Louhimo’s great voice, the new album is a treat for fans of melodic metal — or is it more rock? Regardless of whether it’s metal or rock, each of the songs comes with addictive melodies. These tough-to-resist melodies start with the opener. “The Burning Within” is a furious beginning with heavy guitar riffs and a pounding beat. These elements make way for the verse and vocals, while the song maintains its powerful approach.

“Here We Are” is a melodic stomper, while the title track has more of an AOR vibe, incorporating some 80s-style pop elements. It’s a catchy highlight of the album, and a joy for dentists thanks to its sugary qualities.

Even more interesting is the following tune, “Twilight Cabaret”, which I think is one of the best songs on “Steelbound”. The leading melody and keyboards do not follow the main principles of the album, yet fit perfectly with “Steelbound”. Alongside “Twilight Cabaret”, there are songs like “Angel of Midnight”, whose chorus blossoms the first time you listen to the track.

“Last Goodbye” is one of the heavier pieces on the album, followed by the cinematic instrumental “The Long Road”, which demonstrates that Battle Beast could also create music for dramatic film soundtracks. The pulsating “Riders of the Storm”, with its subtle Celtic influences, does not represent a significant shift in musical style compared to what we have heard earlier on the album, which includes a finale called “Watch the Sky Fall”.

“Steelbound” is a textbook Battle Beast album that will undoubtedly meet fans’ expectations. Big melodies, a dense sound and powerful production make Battle Beast’s newest release an album that denim-and-leather metalheads might not publicly admit to liking, but will still listen to in private. The melodies are simply too good to be ignored.