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1714

    
       
       
       
     
             
Whirlwind are a heavy metal band from Spain formed in 2012 by guitarist Mark Wild (Korgull The Exterminator), releasing their debut album '1714' in 2022.    
             
Featuring a heavy nod to the eighties metal sound of bands such as Accept, Helloween, and Running Wild, the debut album from Spanish metallers Whirlwind is packed to the rafters with anthemic head bangers, highly sing a long-able choruses, and infectious riff after riff! Opening with the anticipation fuelled and effects laden one and a half minute instrumental intro '1714', the band launch headlong into the traditional metaller 'The Call' - massively melodic and insanely catchy. Not to mention full of energy too! And an opening "metal scream" that both Rob Halford (Judas Priest) and Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden) would be proud of. The galloping charge of 'The Call' echoes the famous gallop of legends Iron Maiden - Whirlwind keeping an iconic heavy metal sound well and truly alive.    
             
With a massive traditional metal flavour to their sound, Whirlwind also feature strongly the European metal sound - 'Under Siege' a prime example. It's bouncy and buoyant, just like German metallers Running Wild - who were once described as Europe's answer to Iron Maiden! 'Under Siege' maintains the pace and power of the album, with mosh pits all around the world warming to the incredible head bang ability of the Spanish outfits music. Pace increases tremendously for 'Rebels Arise!' - a blazing barrage of speed infused heavy metal to send metal heads completely crazy! And bang their heads as fast as they can in a (vain) attempt to keep pace with the 'Rebels Arise!' rampage. The most melodic song heard so far 'Torture, Knife & Fire', is a superb "foot on the monitor" gallop that showcases everything great about one of the greatest styles of music ever - heavy metal. The band have got the classic sound of traditional metal down to a tee, perfectly blending the sounds of British, and European metal.    
             
And now the buzzing guitar sound of the iconic NWOBHM takes front and centre, as the band forge on with 'Gallows Tithe' - echoing the eighties evolution for heavy metal. An evolution that was spearheaded by Iron Maiden, who took over the world with a sound that is still alive and very popular today. And will continue to be so, with bands such as Whirlwind around to maintain its popularity. The energy and oomph that the album began with has not weakened in any way - if anything, it's just gotten stronger and stronger! Although, 'Cannons Of Infuriation' does bring a more mid tempo pace to the fore - a massive and thunderous foot stomp taking over the airways. Whirlwind showing they're more than just an "all out" metal band. I won't spoil how 'Cannons Of Infuriation' turns out, you'll just have to listen for yourself! 'The Bastard Duke' returns the bouncy and buoyant nature of earlier - and with added oof! The band are churning out a great performance, and one that has surprised me - even after forty years of listening to metal! Goosebumps and a smile a mile wide are just two of the effects of listening to '1714' (the album).    
             
With no sign of the incredible intensity and power driven nature of the bands sound declining, the album gallops on with the melodic mastery of 'Immortal Heroes', and an infectious streak that is thicker than anywhere else on the album. Whirlwind have created a storm with their debut release, turning heads and dropping jaws with a stunning array of songs. And OMG - the change of pace during the second half of 'Immortal Heroes' is absolutely terrific! And with only two songs left to go, 'Red September' maintains the intensity, power, and pace of an incredible debut album - one of the biggest surprises of the year and definitely a contender for the Best Debut Of The Year award...'1714' gets my vote. Bringing the album to a close is the fast paced 'Echoes Of Time', completing an unbroken line of eleven heavy hitting and highly melodious metal songs. If you're looking for an album to give you goosebumps and the opportunity to head bang from start to finish, '1714' by Spanish metallers Whirlwind is the album for you.    
             
Overall, a stunning album of heavy metal, full of energy and oomph and a hundred percent head bang ability.    
             
             
Review by Iron Mathew Collins    
             
Reviewed for Fighter Records    
             
             
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