On their fifth album, BRIDEAR pull no punches with 10 tracks of guitar driven metal. The Japanese 5-piece take elements from across metal reaching into classic thrash, power and at times some speed metal with it all wrapping around hook filled choruses.
From the first second huge guitar tones greet you with riffs that take the album from a standard power metal on to another level. The album fires into life with ‘Still Burning’ which features just about everything from guttural screams to a breakdown which brings the energy even higher. Not a bad start.
If there’s one thing that stands out on Born Again it is the guitars. Guitarists Ayumi and Moe combine to deliver riffs that are text book 80s metal, lead licks to rival the very best guitarists in the world and harmonies to give that true power metal sound. The switch from crunchy riffs to symphonic leads is seamless and a refreshing take on metal.
Keeping the tracks relatively short, there’s no time wasted on the album. ‘Cult’ features poppy hook filled verses and choruses yet has some of the heaviest guitars and drums on the album. But if that is not to your taste, ‘Empty Mind’ follows and takes things into a more prog metal direction.
The prog sound doesn’t go away with ‘Scar of Reunion’ and ‘Real is Real’ keeping the harmonising guitars and extended solos. ‘Real is Real’ offers one of the best vocal performances on the album as well, with frontwoman Kimi showcasing her full range.
Closing the album is ‘Die Like This’ which ends the album how it started. Fast and loud. With Dream Evil’s Nick Night appearing on the track as the first ever guest on a BRIDEAR song, Born Again ends on a real high.
Coming in just below 50 minutes long, Born Again will have you gripped from start to finish. BRIDEAR offer a sound that feels classic yet modern all while having something completely unique. Whether you’re a fan of thrash, power, prog or speed metal you’re guaranteed to find something you’ll like on Born Again.
Born Again is out June 28th
