Spirits of Fire – Embrace the Unknown (Frontiers Music)
Monday, 28th February 2022
Best known for his work in Savatage, Metalium, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra, guitarist Chris Caffery returns for his second Spirits of Fire record Embrace the Unknown. The follow-up to their self-titled debut in 2019, beyond the change in producers with Aldo Lonobile (Secret Sphere), the biggest shift takes place in the vocal slot – as Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens has moved on, opening things up for seasoned singer Fabio Lione. As listeners you often wonder how specific band members and their chemistry will work out in terms of output – fortunately for most metalheads, these twelve tracks should align well for those who love classic metal with finesse and bite.
The major differences this go around involve the logistics for songwriting and trusting the musicians on hand to execute their parts to the hilt. As a guitarist Chris always thinks melody and hook first over thousand note shred gymnastics – getting to the heart of a catchy riff and accentuating this aspect with thoughtful runs. Check out the mid-tempo uplifting nature to “Wildest Dreams” (where drummer Mark Zonder injects some interesting groove/jazz-like fills) or the bluesy, sinister power licks that penetrate “Shapes of a Fragile Mind” to understand his decades of playing and experience pay dividends for endless headbanging action. Many will enjoy the early Sirens-like bends and darker twists that take place during a progressive-laden “House of Pain”, bassist Steve DiGiorgio providing his astute and stellar note choices to heighten the aural anticipation part to part. The ballad-oriented effort “Sea of Change” sits well in the trained multi-octave prowess Fabio has throughout his times in Rhapsody and Angra – but there’s an additional gear he hits through this effort that showcases more of his gritty, venomous emotion one would expect in this heavy metal platform. Saving the longest cut “Out in the Rain” for the finale at 7:15, the music and vocals take you on that cinematic journey, featuring a multitude of clean to aggressive singing measures, keyboard/orchestration enhancement, and an extended, circular instrumental section featuring Chris laying down a few wonderful lead breaks of Criss Oliva/Randy Rhoads-like proportions.
Older musicians never have to return to their roots when they have already proven themselves in their youth. Embrace the Unknown is an obvious labor of love, sure to be appreciated by those who love Chris’ work in Doctor Butcher or Savatage.
