Scandinavian band IAMFIRE was formed sometime around 2013, consisting of veterans from the Danish and Swedish metal scene from what I understand. The foursome recorded just about an albums worth of material, and then released a taste of what’s to come with the EP “Eyes Wide Open” at the start of 2015. Since then the vocalist have moved to Brazil, and due to that had to leave the band, but the three remaining members are actively looking for a replacement vocalist and still plan to release the album they recorded.
These latest developments took place some time after I got the promo of the band’s initial EP, and from the impression I have of what these guys are doing I do hope they manage to continue on as a band, as this EP is a quality production that should have a fairly wide appeal. Metal is the name of the game here, vintage at that, and the word stoner comes quickly to mind on many levels when going through the two songs at hand.
Vintage doom metal riffs of the kind that will sound recognizable by any fan of Black Sabbath is a key feature here, but at least as far as the A side track is concerned explored in a slower and more monumental manner, of the kind that gives me instant associations to Electric Wizard’s classic album “Dopethrone”. Iamfire aren’t quite as monumental however, replacing a bit of the extreme heaviness of Electric Wizard with psychedelic details, and this latter aspect is a key feature in the vocals department.
Much the same can be said for the B side of this EP, although in this case the song opens as a tighter, pacier affair both less monumental and less psychedelic, then slowing it down a few minutes in and adding both aspects well and firmly back in place.
The end result is almost 13 minutes of psychedelic stoner rock delight, music that will appeal to stoner rock fans and stoned rock fans alike presumably. Those who can subscribe to either, and/or generally has a soft spot for bands opting to explore the vintage brand of metal that Black Sabbath instigated back in the day should feel right at home with the material on “Eyes Wide Open”. A high quality affair through and through, and a production that comes with literally heavy recommendations.
My rating: 80/100
