Fortress Under Siege – Envy

Fortress Under Siege
Envy
Label: Rock Of Angels Records
Out: October 13^th, 2023
Playing time: 46:25

Fortress Under Siege were founded in Athens in the mid-nineties of the last century after the Heavy Metal band Gladiators (Athens, Greece) disbanded. However, the band’s first creative period ended in 1998, during which time a self-titled EP was released. Twelve years later, the band reunited. In addition to many singles, four studio albums were also released. The most recent was “Envy” (2023), which will be briefly discussed here.

Already with “Bring Out Your Dead”, the Greeks clearly show where they are going. Power Metal with a fast pace. With Tasos Lazaris, they have a singer with a high recognition value. His high Metal screams are definitely convincing. “Ride The Thunder” is in no way inferior. Although the tempo is reduced a little here. But “Distant Voices” picks up the pace again. At least at the beginning. Later on, it gets quieter from time to time. The singer is then accompanied by keyboard sounds. “Look At You” is a Metal anthem as it really is. With some ballad-like parts. “Disobey” begins with rhythmic drums and guitar riffs. And this continues later on. Some rhythm changes provide a progressive edge. A great guitar solo is the crowning glory. The title track “Envy” once again offers high-speed Metal. The keyboard tapestries in the background are used appropriately for the song. In “Broken And Torn”, the interplay between the two guitarists is convincing. With “Deceptor” it becomes anthemic again. With ballad-like sections. Oh, and there’s another anthem right after that with the penultimate song “Straits Of Glory”. With a chorus that almost invites you to sing along. The final song “Burning Fleshes” is once again Power Metal without frills.

Fortress Under Siege is a band of seasoned musicians. And thanks to a relatively stable line-up, at least in recent years, the band also seems well-rehearsed. This had a positive effect on the songwriting and production. With “Envy”, the musicians prove that they are far from being old hat. They should become a role model for many younger bands.

Track list:

• Bring Out Your Dead
• Ride The Thunder
• Distant Voices
• Look At You
• Disobey
• Envy
• Broken And Torn
• Deceptor
• Straits Of Glory
• Burning Fleshes