Review WINGS OF STEEL “Winds of Time”

Wings Of Steel, the moniker sounds like a heavy metal band, and they are one. Founded in Los Angeles, California in 2019, the band released a debut album called “Gates of Twilight” which, unfortunately, I missed. The second album from the denim and steel metallers is now available in record stores. The new offering is called “Winds of Time” and features eight songs. This might not sound like a lot, but the fact that the title track runs for more than ten minutes shows that the band isn’t afraid to go far beyond the four-minute mark.

This also indicates a certain creative approach to songwriting. Although the band doesn’t reinvent the wheel of heavy metal, they still produce songs that deserve attention.

As mentioned, the title track is an epic metal anthem, and opening an album with such a song demands bravery. Wings of Steel revive the spirit of eighties heavy metal, with bands like Judas Priest and Queensrÿche certainly having had an impact on their music and there is a some Hammerfall too. Blistering riffs and Leo Unnermark’s wide vocal range are great assets in delivering an album that captures the spirit of heavy metal’s heyday and brings it into the present day.

Fast and to the point is the best way to describe the following track, “Saints and Sinners”. This up-tempo blast is a roaring metal song with a furious solo, and it has all the ingredients to make “Saints and Sinners” a pure metal treat.

A bit more versatile is the dramatic “Crying”. More reminiscent of the early L.A. metal scene, the song has a more emotive quality without compromising on power in the chorus. These first songs perfectly illustrate what Wings Of Steel stand for.

Slower-paced and kicking off with a mighty riff, “Lights Go Out” is another highlight. With an eerie vibe, the song fits into the context of the album, showcasing a creative approach to music. Maintaining and varying musical trademarks is what makes an album interesting, and Wings of Steel are capable of doing just that.

The 80s inspiration behind “We Rise” makes it a great song, and when I first heard it, I was reminded of bands like Dokken. It’s like travelling with a time machine, and the moment the calmer start of the song reaches your eardrums, the journey begins. Next, you notice the blood-curdling scream of Unnermark. The track grows heavier and becomes a throbbing headbanger, making for a great listen.

“Winds of Time” is a vigorous heavy metal album that brings the sound of the ’80s into the present day. The band embraces the power and glory of traditional heavy metal, making it their own. This album is a headbanger’s delight, and since they will be on tour with Sabaton in North America I expect we’ll hear more from this Californian powerhouse.