InnerWish – Ash Of Eternal Flame

InnerWish – Ash Of Eternal Flame

Epic bashing. Bursts, choral "Aaa-Ooos", riffs, spinning drums, and come take us wherever you go. Half the speed then, again with choruses and it was time for the voice to enter. For for a few seconds it co-exists only with the guitars and then everyone fades away. We have just witnessed a mystical theme, which goes by the name of “Forevermore”. The chorus is loveable and true to the sonic forms of our own, doomed children.

Their sixth album comes eight years after the self-titled album. And yes, it is just as we dreamed it to be. Melodic, rough where it should be, delicate again where it should be and full of surprises. Here! Now, that opening bridge, with the tuttis and the "gagaga" gurgling guitars. A chance to beat yourself up, a chance to appreciate the intelligence in playing the keys, a chance to hum along with them. Don't worry that you haven't learned the lyrics yet. You have all the time ahead of you. By the holidays you will have obtained a PhD.

"Sea Of Lies" barges in at 12/8 and features – of course – the epic gallop of the meter and the melody given to it by the Innermosts. In this song we enjoy the guest presence of a huge "musician" of Metal and art in general, the frontman of Blind Guardian, Hansi Kürsch himself! With a theme that breaks hearts as its axis and a melodic wave as a measure of action that works like a redemptive tsunami, the band shows that there is inspiration for some five hundred more records.

"Higher" starts, and what I like is the straight forward attack and the staccato playing. Bass that keeps everything in balance and a voice that becomes the equivalent of soul during listening. And that double solo... Some things are practically impossible to describe. Next is the “Soul Assunder” caster, with which you can get hit without fear. The double pedals either rage or stand selective and create the preform of a "baklavavoid" rhythm section, with the guitars in the spotlight, due to all those impressive themes.

Let's say here that the production is more than crystalline and Metal. The album has been recorded at LoNe and Devasoundz studios, with Fotis Benardo commanding and editing, together with Thymios Krikos, who is also, for many years, a very experienced producer. Mixing and mastering is done by the great Henrik Udd (Hammerfall, Powerwolf, SepticFlesh and many more).

"Primal Scream" is also in 12/8 pattern and it's really very clever the way they play with different "forms" of the meter, speeding up or slowing down parts of the subjects, without actually messing with the speed. And the double recorded vocals are... I think the most appropriate word is 'sweetest'. It is the complexion of Eikosipentakis that contains this sweetness. Imagine a chocolate bar with brandy in it. And I write a little...

Next in line is the title track, with its symphonic beginning – and cinematic you might say, I would agree. 12/8 here and they like the meter very much and they do very well and use it as an open blanket. Broken headset and the voice alone with the guitars and keyboard backs. Bassing and environment epic. The instruments are all in tune, the choir adds a lot (and this album features the Voice Box) and a chorus that breaks the seal.

“Cretan Warriors” and here's the next "punches and kicks", which will allow you to mess with the wall standing in front of you. In essence, it is a heartfelt salute to those who stood close to the children, specifically those who hail from the island of the brave. The double boots lead, with the guitars not sparing at all themes and guitar guises. Next up is “The Hands Of Doom”, which would make Kamelot jealous and is so lyrical,
could have become a film of similar content by itself.

Landing in Airplane City? “Once Again” starts with Jet City angst and then becomes something else. Yes, my little tooth aches for the said and inside I want and demand and stomp my foot, be the next video. The burr in the voice, always selective, is a warning for the grande chorus, which can haunt you inside. And here comes "I Walk Alone" to make a crazy noise. Take the beauty of keyboards and guitars, take the rhythm and the playing, and we've just met a very nice barker for an action movie, with a Hollywood budget. Wait, Wait.. I'm doing two songs for the film! “Breathe” is… It's silky steel and I'm seriously thinking about patenting this gem. Incredibly melodic track that can take you back to the 80's and maybe Florida and bring you directly to tomorrow.

The album closes with an inspired cover of Blackfoot's “Send Me An Angel,” with the band turning the epic into its own song and pouring its soul into it as well. I listen and press the button again, I go back to the beginning. It's still early, we have a whole night ahead of us. Thymios, Manolis, Antonis, Georges and Frangiskos, welcome! Thanks for the music! Ah! Don't forget... The album is a MUST to get on vinyl. What a cover it is, dude! Giannis Nakos (Remedy Art Design) performed his miracle again.

Costas Koulis

9/10