Innerwish is one of the best Greek power metal bands of all time, so every time they release a new album, it’s a very critical moment for the global power metal scene. The Greek band had invited us to a listening session of their new album, we had shared our opinion, and now that we have the new record in our hands, we can conclude with a final opinion. I had written many good things about “Ash of Eternal Flame”, and now, after listening to the whole album many times, I can only confirm my statements about it! We can say with certainty that this is one of the best albums by Innerwish and, of course, one of the most brilliant power metal albums of the year 2024.
Indeed, Innerwish offers us eleven incredible songs (plus a fine Blackfoot cover), which all take us to a power metal paradise! We are dealing with exceptional compositions—very mature, wisely crafted, and so sophisticated! This band has its own way of making good music; they have a strong character, and this signature sound is celebrated in “Ash of Eternal Flame”. Stylistically, Innerwish plays in a Symphony X-inspired style, with many other radical influences from bands like Helloween, Kamelot, Blind Guardian, Queensrÿche, Stratovarius, etc. They don’t reinvent the power metal genre, but, as said before, their music is genuine, and their songs are unique.
My favorite songs are “Forevermore”, “Sea of Lies”, “Primal Scream”, “The Hands of Doom” and “Once Again”, but I’ll stop here because every moment of this top-class album is incredible! I love the voice of George Eikosipentakis, who sings in the style of Ronnie James Dio, Russell Allen, Jorn Lande, etc. I love the razor-sharp riffs and, of course, adore the song arrangements, which make this album a masterpiece—no doubt about it!
If you want to understand what is going on in “Ash of Eternal Flame”, just listen to the unbelievably beautiful “Sea of Lies”, which features the one and only Hansi Kürsch (Blind Guardian). Songs like this one and albums like “Ash of Eternal Flame” aren’t released every day! If you haven’t listened to this great album yet, you should do it immediately! It’s a power metal tour de force!
♦ 9,5
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
