Leverage
Blind Fire Frontiers Records

by John Kindred
Staff Writer

Comments: Returning to the fray with their sophomore effort, Blind Fire, Leverage finds themselves testing their "metal" to prove that the fuel for the fire didn't end with their debut studio release of '06, Tides. Guitarist Tuomas Heikkinen returns with vocalist Pekka Heino, guitarist Torsti Spoof, keyboardist Marko Niskala, bassist Pekka Lampinen and drummer Valtteri Revonkorpi. After putting the time in touring and writing together, Blind Fire showcases the band gelling into one cohesive unit.

Where Tides propelled the band to the forefront of notoriety within the rock and metal communities, Blind Fire carries the torch forward to deliver the next chapter in the band's repertoire. Leverage continues their progressive metal journeys that often dabble in the world of old-school hard rock. This time around though there is less emphasis on the symphonic. The band paints their new canvas with neo-classical trappings and hints of '80s style stadium rock.

Ten songs fill the audio spectrum with memorable hooks, heavy guitars, intense drumming and above all spectacular vocals. The album follows a similar blueprint as its predecessor leaning on the talents of Pekka Heino and the fabulous fret-work of both Heikkinen and Spoof. And the listening experience is further enhanced by the production which again fell into the hands of Heikkinen and Spoof as well Jari Mikkola.

Comprised of songs whose titles could have been pulled from any Rainbow album; "Hellhorn," "Stormchild," and "Heart of Darkness," Blind Fire is an album that doesn't instantly win you over. Following up the debut album finds the listener to be a little biased; after several spins though the warmth and power of Blind Fire is sure to reel you in.

The standout track has to be "Sentenced," a mid tempo rocker which has a Kansas style verse (piano and synth melodies) and is highlighted by a powerful chorus which has a memorable lyric and catchy rhythmic hook. An oddity is the '80s sounding "Heart of Darkness" which chorus sounds straight from the catalog of Survivor.

The band balances musical textures in such a way that makes the music dynamic and full of depth and atmosphere. This can best be heard on songs such as "Learn to Live" and "Don't Touch" where acoustic guitars build up to their heart of each song. These moments allow Heino to shine vocally even more brightly than on the more aggressive songs.

Finding a new home on Frontiers Records, Leverage will start the New Year with Tides being re-released on their new label as well as '08s Blind Fire. Leverage is poised to make a genuine push at stardom on an international level.

Band Members:
Tuomas Heikkinen (g)
Pekka Heino (v)
Torsti Spoof (g)
Marko Niskala (k)
Pekka Lampinen (b)
Valtteri Revonkorpi (d)

Track listing:
01. Shadow In The Rain
02. King Of The Night
03. Stormchild
04. Sentenced
05. Hellhorn
06. Mister Universe
07. Don't Touch The Sun
08. Run Down The Hill
09. Heart Of Darkness
10. Learn To Live

HRH rating: 8.8/10