Stormborn – Zenith (2024)

One of the things I enjoy most regarding music is discovering new bands. Technically Stormborn are not new, but with a 12 year gap between debut and sophomore, their return was for sure a nice surprise. I went totally blind in this release, having missed some of its singles that date back even to 2022. What I discovered was a well played record of Heavy Metal with a strong pinch of Power references.  

The band’s ideas for sure have influences from your favorite classic heroes like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, add some Kai Hansen/Helloween to the mix along with various freedoms that even lead to blast beats at some point and you might get a slim idea of what to expect. As for the vocals of Chris Simmons, be prepared for a tone similar to Rob Halford, with the occasional pursuit of higher pitches being another shared characteristic. 

Some of the above descriptions alone can be somewhat condemning by today’s standards and thankfully this is not what defines Stormborn. We leave that job to their songwriting that allows them to stay faithful to the Heavy Metal sound, while at the same time sounding fresh, modern and full of energy. This strong desire for metal is imprinted in everything the members play as there are small details waiting for you at every corner.

Guitar work is restless as we are bombarded with great riffs and solos, Andy Felton is a true machine behind the drums and bass is grooving like no tomorrow, with its strong support during the verses of Out in the Weird being my favorite. What I particularly liked is how they all assist in keeping things interesting during the choruses, be it the leads of Dawn Will Come Again or the basslines and beats of Death Incarnate to name a few. 

On the tempo, fast is the speed that wins the battle of Zenith, with the closing Echo altering the flow for a more reserved approach. It is the only song that at first seems to stand a step below the rest, but for its second half, the full of sentiment, melodies and technique consecutive solos, create the best closure for the album.

I am very happy about this comeback of Stormborn, especially since I expected nothing and got excitement in return. It is a result that does not struggle to draw and maintain your attention, but the totally opposite. It grabs you straight from the start and demonstrates how well played Metal can get, when its fire fiercely burns in the musicians’ heart. 

87/100

Pavlos Pavlakis

On behalf of Metal Domain