Whirlwind – 1714
Whirlwind – 1714
Fighter Records
Release Date: 22/11/22
Running Time: 51:00
Review by Paul Hutchings
7/10
Although established in 2012 as a parallel project, it’s taken over a decade for Mark Wild to finally deliver the debut album by Whirlwind. The band that hails from Barcelona were established with the aim of writing songs influenced by the likes of Running Wild, Accept and Helloween, with an emphasis on the old school style of those bands.
It’s fair to say that they’ve achieved their objective for “1714” is exactly what you’d expect when you read that. Ten tracks of thunderously paced heavy metal with a traditional 1980’s sound, it’s non-stop Power from start to finish. Well played, high tempo and following a standard template of riffs, verses, choruses, harmonies, and solos that shred, there’s little else to say expect that if you aren’t a fan of this kind of Metal, you’ll probably be better off avoiding “1714”. If you are partial to a bit of dramatic, clichéd but perfectly executed over the top Power Metal, then this album is well worth checking out.
You may be asking what is the album’s theme? What Whirlwind have done here is drawn attention to the Catalonian events of 1714, namely the Siege of Barcelona which led to the fall of the city during the war of Spanish Succession. A key part of Spanish history, it’s certainly well worth researching a bit more about this.
Following the intro of “1714”, the band launch into opening song ‘The Call’. It’s the first opportunity to hear Héctor Llauradó’s vocals and the guy can hold a note. The music is fast and furious, with some excellent lead work. As you work your way through the album, it’s evident that the band stick closely to their chosen blueprint. There’s a little variation on ‘Torture, Knife & Fire’ whilst ‘Gallows Tithe’ sees the band utilise some dual guitar harmonies in the style of Iron Maiden. It’s all perfectly enjoyable, and you’ll soon find yourself nodding along with memorable hooks digging deep.
It’s probably a little long at 51 minutes, although I’m sure that many power metal fans would argue that there is no such thing as enough of this style of Metal. There are also, as one might expect a couple of fillers – ‘Cannons of Infuriation’ being one for me. But overall, there’s little to dislike.
‘Gallow Tithe’ Official Audio
TRACKLISTING:
01. 1714 (intro)
02. The Call
03. Under Siege
04. Rebels Arise!
05. Torture, Knife & Fire
06. Gallows Tithe
07. Cannons of Infuriation
08. The Bastard Duke
09. Immortal Heroes
10. Red September
11. Echoes of Time
LINE-UP:
Mark Wild – Rhythm Guitar
Artur – Lead Guitar
Héctor Llauradó – Vocals
Jordi – Drums
LINKS:
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