Fire Up the Blades Review

Band	3 Inches Of Blood
Album	Fire Up the Blades
Type	Album (Studio full-length)
Released	June 26, 2007
Genres	NWOAHM
Labels	Roadrunner Records
Length	51:59

Reviewer :  Kildneybean         Rating :  90 / 100

<A Golden Tale of Epicness>

Fire Up the Blades, 3 Inches of Blood's third studio release, definitely shows a more pumped up rendition of their previous(and probably most renowned) album, Advance and Vanquish. It presents songs with more brutality, speed, and aggression sometimes reminiscent of that of mid-'80s Thrash Metal. The guitar lines and riffs are actually better than their previous efforts. The riffs come out one after another, giving no time for the listener to catch a relaxing breath. This is why the album pulls you in by your collar and never lets you go until the very end.

As I have mentioned, 3 Inches of Blood have achieved a more brutal sound with this album. First thing that you'll notice is that the usage of Cam's clean vocals have been drastically reduced, being replaced with more frequently used screaming vocals. Their previous releases have had mostly clean vocals leading the main chorus; however, this album is like early Kreator in terms of vocals. The screams are very powerful and full of angst and generally goes very well with the songs. Another thing to keep in mind is that the instrumental parts have become more fast and furious. The bashing drumming, guitars with more heaviness, and songs so fast like they're on crack all make an epic listen. It's almost like listening to Thrash Metal. This doesn't mean they've totally uprooted their NWOBHM sound the're found upon; they have actually managed to create a crossbred genre of somewhere between Thrash, Speed, Power(even some Black) and NWOBHM.

It's a shame the band is breaking up, but the fact they've put out an album so great and full of creativity is something to be grateful of. These guys rule(d)!