Review FILI BIBIANO’S FORTRESS “Death is Your Master”

In 2021, a band called Fortress emerged in the midst of the pandemic, delivering a remarkable debut album. This album, which is entitled “Don’t Spare the Wicked”, is full of thunderous heavy metal.

The band, headed by guitarist Fili Bibiano, received considerable attention in the metal community. With their second album, “Death Is Your Master”, Fortress pick up where they left off with their debut. However, there are a couple of changes. The band’s name now includes the founder’s name, and Fili Bibiano’s Fortress has a new lead singer, Juan Aguila. The latter replaces Chris Scott Nunez, and Aguila’s voice is a perfect fit. He is a true metal siren, showcasing his vocal range in songs such as “Fugitive”.

However, the previous lead singer is also present on “Death is Your Master”. “Blackest Night” was recorded with Chris Nunez and is a traditional metal anthem, acting as a link between the debut album and Fortress’s latest studio effort.

The album opens with a furious and untamed blast. With its roots in 1980s heavy metal, “Flesh and Dagger” is an up-tempo starting point. It’s like a time warp, bringing you back to the heyday of heavy metal.

Another song that provides a similar vibe is “Night City”. Slower and featuring a dense keyboard sound, the power ballad showcases Bibiano’s broader approach to metal. It’s not just about pushing the pedal to the metal. Melodies, and in this case a great chorus, are important factors too, resonating through songs like “Night City”.

To complete the picture, we must also mention “Maze”. It is one of the faster tracks on the album. The neo-classical features are very evident in this galloping headbanger. Alongside the shredding guitar, it is Juan Aguila’s vocals that are the other strong element of this song.

“Death is Your Master” is an album that showcases great craftsmanship and a deep commitment to the roots of metal. The songs reflect the essence of heavy metal, and although Fili Bibiano and Fortress don’t reinvent the wheel of metal, the album sounds fresh and vibrant from start to finish. Fans of vigorous metal with an old-school feel should check out “Death Is Your Master”.