Elyna Kahn
Have you ever noticed that when a band releases an album and describes it in terms of music, lyrics, production, and so on, what you end up hearing isn’t always what you were told to expect? Well, that didn’t happen to me with Fer de Lance, an epic Heavy Metal band from Chicago. Their second album, Fires on the Mountainside, arrived in my inbox a while back with a description that went something like this: “This new work promises an immersive experience where epic heavy/power metal intertwines with doom-like overtones and black metal atmospheres, taking the listener through landscapes of mythology, revolution, and darkness. Far from sounding generic, Fer de Lance embraces a bold identity that pays homage to ’90s metal while forging their own path, guiding the bravest listeners toward unforgettable sonic adventures.”
Sounds interesting, right? But… is it true? Or is it another one of those experiences that leaves you with that WTH feeling? In all honesty, this time, what the description promises is exactly what Fires on the Mountainside delivers—an album that isn’t at all generic but instead incorporates bold sonorities and surprising fusions, all bound together by an epic core. The entire album is an intense adventure, full of nuances and textures that unfold with imposing force across its seven chapters.
Of these, I’ll highlight three. First, I can’t recall a longer opening track on an epic heavy metal album than Fires on the Mountainside itself. Not even in a Progressive Metal release. But over the course of its nearly 13 minutes, the sound unfolds like luminous, heartwarming memories—a fusion of the melodic, the epic, and the brutal. Hints of Manowar, Turisas, Arkona, and Hammerfall emerge. The marching rhythm, polyphonic choirs, and intense orchestrations transported me to the fields of Westfold, ready to fight Uruk-Hai, or to the icy heights of the Wall to face White Walkers. Another standout track is Ravens, Ravens Fly (Dreams of Daidalos).
The music begins incendiary and brutal, echoing icons like Blind Guardian, Iced Earth, King Diamond, and Iron Maiden. There are even glimpses of Black Metal from Storm and Immortal, thanks to the blend of guttural and clean vocals. Anthemic riffs push the pace with galloping triumph, while a fierce guitar solo bleeds with emotional intensity. The thunderous rhythm section amplifies the track’s impact, resulting in a gripping and truly epic listen. Lastly, Tempest Stele stands out as a more straightforward folk track, but with a twist—its Brazilian arabesque rhythm took me by surprise. The only comparison that comes to mind is So Near, So Far by the maestros in Angra. The strange yet powerful fusion of elements felt like an urgent invitation to dance wildly around a blazing bonfire deep in a Norwegian forest—or better yet, in Finland, even if the ice is already melting. And yes, Tempest Stele makes it worth lighting a fire in the lands of eternal frost.
In short, Fires on the Mountainside is not just an album—it’s a journey through diverse landscapes within the world of epic metal. And Fer de Lance doesn’t exaggerate or embellish what they’re offering. They deliver exactly what they promise: a bold, identity-driven musical journey that blends familiar sounds in unfamiliar ways. Each of the seven tracks tells a story infused with mystical fury, ’90s nostalgia, and a primal energy that feels ancient and raw. Together, they form a powerhouse that’s fresh, fierce, and memorable.
So if you’re ready to venture forth with Fer de Lance and Fires on the Mountainside, be sure to bring your armor, your sword, and your shield—because once the album ends, you’ll feel battle-worn, awakened, and fully alive.
Kill the Uruk-Hai!
Kill the White Walkers.
To battle, all out!
Label: Cruz del Sur Music
Release date: June 27, 2025
Website: ferdelancemetal.bandcamp.com
Country: USA
Score: 4.0/5.0
Metal Eclipse Reviews 