BONFIRE

“LEGENDS”

Album Review By Chris Palmer

7/10

Bonfire is a German five-piece that was formed back in 1986. Since formation, the band has released countless singles, 18 albums, 6 live albums, and 5 compilations. The band consists of Alex Stahl [Vocals], Hans Ziller [Guitar], Frank Pané [Guitar], Ronnie Parkes [Bass], and Tim Breideband [Drums].

Signed to the mighty AFM Records, 2018 saw Bonfire release a sixth compilation album, which was the band’s second release of the year, and arrived after the superb “Temple Of Lies”. The album in question is entitled “Legends” and is a double-disc set containing a whopping 32 songs. Running for over two and a half hours, “Legends” gives the listener a perfect example of the band’s talent as they embark on a journey through time with their own take on classic tunes from the past. The band are also joined by Paul Morris, as he performs on keyboards throughout this album.

When I received this album to review, I didn’t quite know what to expect or even write. I don’t know about you, dear reader, but I tend to get rather sceptical when it comes to cover albums. The whole idea tends to scream “cash cow” or “filler”. I have a tendency to lean on the idea that bands are just trying to fulfill a label requirement, or just rip off their fans by providing an album of songs written by others. But with “Legends”, Bonfire have made me eat humble pie and see things differently.

The album is an exciting nostalgia trip as Bonfire treat you to a setlist of some of the most popular songs in rock and metal music, as well as some obscure ones… well, obscure to me anyway! The first disc contains some cracking numbers, that’ll have you nodding along to their infectious rhythms. Bonfire will have you singing with delight to some of your favourite songs and your mind will travel back to a time when you sat on the floor with your record player getting completely lost in the music, forgetting the world around you. However, while the band’s effort is flawless, “Man On The Silver Mountain” really does miss THAT voice, yet their cover of “Child In Time” is epic and will give you goosebumps, especially when Alex hits THOSE timeless high notes. It’s also fair to say that album opener, “Africa”, really gets you in the mood right off the bat.

Disc two continues the trend set on the previous disc and, to be honest, I’d only heard a handful of the tracks mentioned on the tracklist of this one. So, this listen was going to be an eye-opener for me, as I discovered some new [old] music and re-discovered some gems from the past that I’d forgotten about! To be fair, the band have done a good job and their take on Queensrÿche’s “Silent Lucidity” is utterly amazing. Each number is covered uniquely and “Dr. Love” contains a terrific, rocking rhythm that gets me going every time I hear it, while “Hallelujah” is a wonderfully beautiful song regardless of who sings it. At the other end of the scale, “Heavy Metal Breakdown” will have you bouncing around the room while headbanging and singing along with a fist in the air… Fantastic stuff!

Unfortunately, there just isn’t the space or the words to describe each and every song on this album, but what I can say is that there’s something for everyone. It’s all there… the Hard ‘N’ Heavy, the Rocking, the Melodic, and the obligatory Ballad… All available to listen to in a 32-song setlist of excellently performed tunes with first-class musicianship.

To be honest “Legends” may not be of too much interest to the casual listener. In fact, the compilation might only appeal to die-hard fans and collectors of the Bonfire catalogue. However, give it a chance. The album is an excellent starting point if you’ve never heard the band before. It’s a nostalgia trip and an introduction to a collection of tunes that may have slipped below your radar or even been forgotten about over time. So, take the time to check it out, you won’t be disappointed.

TRACKLIST

Disc 1

1. Africa
2. Hold The Line
3. Rosanna
4. Man On The Silver Mountain
5. I Surrender
6. Stone Cold
7. Death Alley Driver
8. Black Masquerade
9. Burning Heart
10. Eye Of The Tiger
11. Caught In The Game
12. Doctor Doctor
13. Lights Out
14. Rock Bottom
15. Child In Time

Disc 2

1. Jet City Woman
2. Silent Lucidity
3. Eyes Of A Stranger
4. Tears In The Rain
5. The First Time
6. Save Up All Your Tears
7. Hot Cherie
8. Dr. Love
9. Hellelujah
10. Rebellion
11. Heavy Metal Breakdown
12. Love Don’t Lie
13. I Wanna Be Loved
14. King Of Dreams
15. Frei Wie Die Geier
16. Erinnerung
17. Alt Wie Ein Baum

http://bonfire.de/english/home.php

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