Stormbreaker – Enlightning

Stormbreaker
Enlightning
Label: Backyard Sounds
Out: September 5^th, 2025
Playing time: 36:19

The Finnish Metal band Stormbreaker was founded in 2021. Since then, one EP (‘Vengeance’, 2023) and three singles have been released. The musicians had already won me over with the EP. So, it was time for an album. The debut ‘Enlightning’ was released at the beginning of September this year. Only four musicians from the EP line-up are still with the band, the two influential singers Anni Kokkonen and Petri Tarvainen as well as guitarist Tomi Virtanen and drummer Sami Ratilainen. In addition, Stormbreaker are now just a quintet, without a second guitarist. Of course, I wanted to know what effect this had on the sound.

The hectic synths at the beginning of ‘Unleash the Power’ suggest something bad. But later on, hard Metal rhythms essentially dominate. The whole thing reminds me a little of Amaranthe. As far as the vocals are concerned, both female and male clean vocals as well as evil growls can be heard. Petri Tarvainen probably takes on both parts here. ‘Femme Fatale’ is a little quieter. The synths in particular are scaled back. Instead, the riffs bang out of the speakers, sometimes hectically. ‘Sandman’ is by no means a ‘good night song’. The drums bang, guitarist Tomi Virtanen fires off hard riffs. Anni Kokkonen and Petri Tarvainen celebrate their duet vocals. There is also a fierce guitar solo. ‘The Story Never Told’ is again briefly introduced by synths. A strong mid-tempo anthem in which Anni shows her vocal potential. One of the best songs on the album. With “In the Moment”, the Finns let blast off right from the start. Drummer Sami Ratilainen in particular drives his comrades-in-arms on. Petri contributes his growls again and Anni sings quite harshly at times. And Anssi Kinnunen provides hard, distorted low tones. The synth sounds are also omnipresent on ‘Salvation in Pain’ but are repeatedly overruled by hard riffs. Anni shouts at times on ‘Dreams’ but also delivers clean vocals. Petri also alternates between screams and clean vocals. Tomi Virtanen plays another guitar solo. ‘Solace’ is a real riff thunderstorm. In ‘Storm’ the vocals sound a bit weird in places. And more guitar solos can be heard. Massive use of double bass ensures a high degree of heaviness. The final song ‘Mother Gaia’ is again triggered by synths. Both singers scream their hearts out again and again.

Stormbreaker mostly follow in the footsteps of Amaranthe on ‘Enlightning’. Both singers, who shine on the album with great vocal variety, are responsible for this. And, of course, the synths that can be heard again and again. However, the Pop edge is much lower and the degree of heaviness higher than that of the Swedes. The references mentioned in the press release (Amaranthe, Arch Enemy, Beast In Black) certainly apply. Fans of these bands should definitely give ‘Enlightning’ a listen.

Stormbreaker – Femme Fatale: https://youtu.be/zM5I4CaLgIU?si=jOySoDbJ_LmQCB6V

Lineup:

Petri Tarvainen – Vocals
Anni Kokkonen – Vocals
Tomi Virtanen – Guitar
Anssi Kinnunen – Bass
Sami Ratilainen – Drums

Track list:

• Unleash the Power
• Femme Fatale
• Sandman
• The Story Never Told
• In the Moment
• Salvation in Pain
• Dreams
• Solace
• Storm
• Mother Gaia