Hangfire – Burn

Hangfire
Burn
Label: Rottweiler Records
Out: May 2^nd, 2025
Playing time: 48:23

The idea to form the Metal band Hangfire was born when guitarist Sean Searls and bassist Steven Tolbeck met in the local Washington music scene. They were later joined by drummer Shannon Laird. The line-up was completed by Jenea Fiore. Unfortunately, it was not possible to find out exactly when this was. What is certain is that the album ‘Burn’ is the band’s debut album. Bands such as Judas Priest, Burning Witches and Warlock are cited as references for the music. So that would be the kind of music I like.

Wind noises, hard drums and plucked guitars introduce ‘Hunger’. Jenea Fiore sings calmly at first with a dark voice. But then the song picks up speed and Jenea really roars. The guitars roast along with it. In ‘Thunder’ we hear a thunderstorm of guitar riffs. The whole thing is driven by drums and bass. ‘Warhawk’ also moves into Speed Metal realms. The singer easily keeps up this high tempo. Somehow the music is reminiscent of Judas Priest. The calm but ingenious guitar solo forms a contrast to the otherwise high tempo. ‘White Lie’ starts with calm acoustic guitars. Later, ‘Black Velvet’ (Alanah Miles) meets Heavy Metal. And Jenea Fiore’s dark timbre is once again convincing. We also hear a strong guitar solo. With ‘Headspin’ we return to high-speed Power Metal. And what a heart-warming ballad ‘Falling Awake’ is. The seductive vocals are accompanied by acoustic guitars. In the powerful middle section, the guitars are heavier. And the guitar solo is simply breathtaking. The cry for help ‘SOS’ will have you headbanging. Strong Power Metal in the mid-tempo range. ‘The Hunter’ starts with a calm guitar intro. The vocals sound elfish at first. But then things kick into full gear again. Hard-hitting and fast guitar riffs take over. ‘Outlaw’ also starts with a short intro, this time characterised by acoustic guitars. A constantly blowing desert wind can be heard. You can almost hear the vastness of the Wild West. But it doesn’t stay that quiet for long. Jenea once again lets her powerful voice resound, underpinned by hard riffs. Once again there is a quiet intro to ‘Burn’. But then the rhythm section kicks in with full force. Bass, drums and guitar riffs initially ensure a high tempo. A piano can be heard from time to time. The next (acoustic) ballad follows with ‘The Cold’. Once again, the front woman knows how to beguile with her dark voice. But she can also do it differently – harder. Acoustic ballad becomes power ballad becomes Metal anthem. A real uphill climb. Hangfire show once again what a great Metal anthem should sound like with the final song ‘Fire In The Night’. In between, quiet guitar passages can be heard again and again.

‘Burn’ is an outstanding album. The references mentioned at the beginning can be recognised again and again. However, I have to say quite clearly that I like Jenea Fiore’s voice much better than that of Laura Guldemond (Burning Witches) or Doro (Warlock). Jenea’s vocals are much more varied and also more soulful than those of the two female Rock belters. And she has impressive instrumental support. Hangfire are a more than hopeful new discovery for me. There is a lot of potential in this band.

Hangfire – Outlaw: https://youtu.be/BMan6hH1mMI?si=ny3J8HurAvwj5W2R

Lineup:

Jenea Fiore – Vocals
Sean ‘Shredder’ Searls – Guitar
Steven Tolbeck – Bass
Shannon ‘The Cannon’ Laird – Drums

Track list:

• Hunger
• Thunder
• Warhawk
• White Lie
• Headspin
• Falling Awake
• S.O.S.
• The Hunter
• Outlaw
• Burn
• The Cold
• Fire In The Night