BONFIRE / BRANDED (2011)

Bonfire is one of my all time favourite bands. Albums like "Fire Works" and "Point Blank" are both classics in my book! Their last album was "The Rauber" back in 2008 which was a concept one. An overall good release but for Bonfire's standarts was a bit average.

So, nowadays, the Germans are back with their brand new "Branded" album. From the very first notes, the listener is about to realize that Claus Lessman and his boys are back and ready to rock! "Branded" is a twelve track album which contains ten new tunes plus two old re-worked ones. "Deadly Contradiction" opens the album with a classic Bonfire riff and a catchy chorus line. A great track and for sure a future classic. "Just Follow The Rainbow" is one of my personal favourite tunes from "Branded". It's an up-tempo rocker and a great tune for the band's live performances. "Save Me" is another old-fashioned Bonfire tune with big hook and a memorable chorus line. At this point, I have to say that Claus Lessman voice is on top form and the band is tighter than ever!
"Let It Grow" is the first mid-tempo/ballad of "Branded". It's a pretty good song, but, my personal opinion is that this band has offered better ballads in the past! "Do Or Die" is a fast paced hard rock dynamite which offers some really amazing guitar work. "Close To The Edge" is a good enough mid-tempo tune but nothin' breathtakin'. "Crazy" is up-tempo, anthemic and it's one of these tracks that makes you feel good with it's positive vibe. "Hold Me Now" is another ballad and a song that could easily appear in any of the band's previous works. The re-worked tunes are both sounding fresh and enjoyable.

Overall, this is a very good Bonfire album. No fillers here, just pure melodic hard rock dynamites strong enough to make this album a future Bonfire classic. It's always a great pleasure to have a new Bonfire album and it's a great pleasure, also, to see this band performing live! Well done!

HeavyParadise's Rating: 8,5/10

Track List: 01 - Deadly Contradiction, 02 - Just Follow The Rainbow, 03 - Save Me, 04 - Let It Grow, 05 - Better Days, 06 - Do Or Die, 07 - Close To The Edge, 08 - Crazy, 09 - Loser's Lane, 10 - Hold Me Now, 11 - I Need You (2011 version - bonus track), 12 - Rivers Of Glory (2011 version - bonus track)