The Swedish SAFFIRE always made a positive impression on me with the last albums. As a writer from the older generation, I have a particular soft spot for bands that sound like the 70s and 80s, such as DEEP PURPLE, WHITESNAKE and Co. And SAFFIRE manage wonderfully to revive this sound with a modern touch.
The new album “Taming The Hurricane” is again peppered with great lines and hooks and a catchy rhythm. Of course, the organ shouldn’t be missing to create that “old” sound, and SAFFIRE really master that perfectly. There was a change of drummer for the new album and it took a while for the band to find each other again. But the waiting time was worth it, because they present us something great new with the usual sound – classic rock with bite.
Singer Tobias Jansson is great again and works his way through the songs with his powerful, harmonious vocals. He always shows off his rock voice and is supported by great backing vocals as before. The lyrics are typically rock and the choruses are sing-along and live-ready.
In any case, the following tips are:
“Triumph Of The Will”, which has a relaxed organ entry and where you are immediately convinced of the band’s songwriting from the very first bar. The harmony with the catchy melody, the vocals, the highlights of the riffs and, as already mentioned, the organ just fits. Just a great song with power.
Then, of course, the title track “Taming The Hurricane”, which, like the “Hurricane” in the title, roars through the speakers like a whirlwind. Easygoing riffs and a driving rhythm section are the basis for this energetic song.
The organ-heavy “Read Between The Lines” has a sound and voice that makes you think of DIO. This is a must play song for the SABBATH and DIO fans.
You can find something softer at the end of the album. “Flight Of A Thousand Wings” is the farewell song for Viktor’s late grandfather. One hears that SAFFIRE also masters the quiet bars excellently and knows how to write a power ballad that goes emotionally to the heart.
My summary is like last time: an ingenious band that mixes “old” rock with modern power. There is a lot of organ here like in DEEP PURPLE but also songs that sound like DIO classics. And of course a great rhythm section, which provides the power for every piece. A very successful album that will appeal to the broad mass of Rocke fans.