STORM FORCE – Age of Fear (2020 Japanese import)
If 2020 is indeed the Age of Fear, then at least Storm Force have brought us the album that we deserve for all our suffering. Released before the pandemic but with some eerily relevant lyrics to our current time, Age of Fear is one of the most kickass discs you are going to hear this year.
Storm Force features the stellar talents of former Brighton Rock guitarist Greg Fraser, powerhouse singer Patrick Gagliardi, drum monster Brian Hamilton, and groovin’ bassist Mike Berardelli. Fans of Brighton Rock (R.I.P.) will recognize the tone and stylings of the six-string magician they call Fraze. That said, Gagliardi’s arena-sized vocals cords are what will draw you in to this band immediately.
Storm Force waste little time cutting to the chase. The single-ready “Because of You” opens with some epic sci-fi keyboards that might have you feeling you’re at the intro to a progressive concept album. But then Fraze hits you with a cool stuttery riff, and Patrick’s in your ears with a classic hard rock voice with grit and range to spare. But you want hooks? Storm Force deliver on “Because of You”, a song that would have been a massive hit in an earlier time.
Without letup it’s the title track “Age of Fear”, ushered in by the mountainous drumming of Brian Hamilton. He and Mike Berardelli are locked in. The riff has a bit of Darkness and the melody has shades of Dio. It’s an uptempo blast through midnight, but even that is just a warmup for the third track “Breathe”. With guest vocals from Serena Pryne, it’s a full-on epic. Keyboard accents lend it appropriate drama. This song is massive, powerful and perfect. In another universe, a hit. Watch for a music video coming soon.
“Ember Rain” gives us the first true ballad. The ringing acoustics and storytelling guitar solos recall some of the best of late 80s Whitesnake. Listen to the bass roll, and how the sparingly and effectively the drum fills are used. After a ballad, it’s best to chase it with a heavy headbanger. “Ride Like Hell” is a vicious road tune that Axl Rose wishes he wrote. The chorus nails it home, and the solos are eloquent.
“Dirty Vegas” was the first Storm Force video and you can hear why. With a title like “Dirty Vegas” you can count on a party tune. With bite, and a chorus that goes on for days. Music like this is what we need right now.
Storm Force know you need a comedown after a track like “Dirty Vegas” so an upbeat acoustic-based tune called “More Than You Know” is there to sooth your aching rock hangover. But it’s only temporary as “Marshall Law” has come to bust the door down! It takes a real singer to deliver on a track like this and Gagliardi is world-class. Truly one of the hottest on the scene today and one listen to “Marshall Law” is all it should take to convince you.
These guys know how to pace an album, and a piano ballad called “Different Roads” occupies the all-important second-to-last track. The vocals on this one are on a whole ‘nother level! Gagliardi can do so much with his voice that I could probably convince you that he is actually two singers. For penultimate tracks, “Different Roads” is one of those ballads that could close a record in its own right, but actually sets you up for one more knock to the skull. “Ringside”, like its title suggests, is not a ballad. It’s a high velocity adventure in heavy metal histrionics. And that closes the album with a slam!…
…Unless you’re one of the lucky who owns a Japanese CD (or an iTunes download). The bonus track on those formats is “Weight of the World”, a song certainly equal to the others on the album. A solid rocker, “Weight of the World” might express how some of us feel right now. “The weight of the world is tearing out the heart of me.” Ever felt that way?
Expertly constructed songs. Thoughtful lyrics. World class production by Darius Szczepaniak. Veteran performances by artists at the top of their craft. An album we desperately needed in 2020. Get Age of Fear.
5/5 stars
If you missed it, check out our live interview with Storm Force from September 4 2020 starting at the 0:16:50 mark. Thanks to Superdekes for helping setting that up.
Well, well. This is quite the fitting coincidence. I’m doing this one for Wednesday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice! Make sure you share it with the guys! They will appreciate it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great writeup Sir. Storm Force is top notch as you point out and Age of Fear is a wold class album! As I told the guys in our chat Age of Fear should be Double Platinum! Your right as well Mikey being that Age of Fear is an album we needed in 2020 and the boys delivered.. Big Time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Album of the year? Spoiler alert? It’s between this and Deep Purple for me.
Thanks for getting me into this early Deke. I’m glad I have both the signed copy and the Japanese. There was once a time when I didn’t want two copies of the same album but I don’t mind anymore. Especially for these guys!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not only are they a talented bunch but it’s good to support local acts
Stellar stuff in this age of fear society we live in!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bands like this need all the CD and merch sales they can get right now. Let’s keep these bands alive because it’s gonna be a long cold winter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A very well deserved 5 for this one. I have enjoyed the copy I bought a lot. The Japanese edition looks great and you got it for a great price as I almost bought that exact copy, but went with the autograph version on the site (which you already have).
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s about time I snagged one from under your nose! I’m still working on my Vault Heist. I have a French espionage agent who says she can steal it in your sleep and you won’t even notice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No problem. It sits right next to me during the day, she can come any time!! Since it is a “vault”, that is where I store my toilet paper now since it is such a precious item.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Totally logical!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The intro on “Because of You” reminds me of The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again” before going into 80s sounding melodic rock. None of those are a bad thing. Both songs are worth me exploring a little further.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Funny you should mention the intro. I hear what you mean but I think of Billy Ocean’s Loverboy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I see what you mean and that’s a pretty good song.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a great album. I’ve already written about it early on when Deke posted it. Double platinum for sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey if you don’t mind, can you post the link? I’d love to read it and if anybody else clicks the link too then bonus.
LikeLiked by 1 person
https://destroyerofharmony.com/2020/02/12/january-2020-part-2/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sweet, thanks!
LikeLike
It was part of a general monthly review but I spent more time and words on the Age Of Fear album than the others.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I liked it, you and I have similar views on it.
LikeLiked by 1 person