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Ascension

    
       
       
       
     
             
Valkyrie's Fire are a symphonic power metal band from the USA formed in 2020 releasing their debut E.P. 'Ascension' in 2024.    
             
Founded by bass player Dave Hale, the band is completed by drummer Ryan Metroka, guitarist Joey Grimaldi, and vocalists Adam Sanders and Bettie Floyd - the bands E.P. consisting of five heavy hitting songs across twenty two minutes! And with the likes of Epica, Ad Infinitum, and Nightwish as just some of the bands influences, 'Ascension' promises symphonic power metal of the most elegant kind - 'Ride Of The Valkyrie' setting the E.P. on its way with strains of the classic 'Ride Of The Valkyries', a piece of music written by German composer Richard Wagner (which for all you fact fans out there "is the prelude to the first scene of the third and last act of Die Walkure, the second of the four epic music dramas that constitute Der Ring des Nibelungen"). Known as one of Wagner's best pieces, 'Ride Of The Valkyries' is an instantly recognisable tune that's been used in numerous movies such as Apocalypse Now (1979), The Blues Brothers (1980), The Running Man (1987), Minions (2005), Watchmen (2009), Altitude (2017), and The Commuter (2018) to name just a few...    
             
...and it can now be heard launching the debut release of Valkyrie's Fire as the band switch gears to thunder on at pace, melding their symphonic power metal roots with the iconic, traditional metal gallop. The mix of male and female vocals is delicious, 'Ride Of The Valkyrie' repeatedly smacking every listener round the head with a gentle "listen to me" tap! And listen you will, for the E.P. has gotten off to one helluva infectious start, 'The Maiden' leading with female vocals and a phenomenal surge of energy as the band roar even louder than 'Ride Of The Valkyrie', male vocals making a return as the song progresses. The opening brace has been nothing less than terrific, the American metallers setting out their stall to grab a hold of everyone's attentions and not let 'em go!    
             
And while the music on offer is this good, the band can hold my attention as tightly as they like - for I ain't going any where, the E.P. striding straight into ballad territory with 'Empty', a mellow and serene atmosphere descending upon the E.P. as every listener reaches for their lighter to hold high in the air. And the angelic vocals of Floyd pierce the air as 'Empty' floats by on a cloud, Valkyrie's Fire as elegant as a ball-gown wearing member of high society at a cocktail party! The band actually heavy up 'Empty' during its second half, changing through the gears to stride majestically to a finish. The band show a blistering turn of speed for 'Nectar Of The Gods', furiously romping forth with all out pace and power, the classic sound of European power metal rising high in the air - and from an American band too! Valkyrie's Fire may be five thousand miles away from mainland Europe, however the band have no qualms taking on board inspiration from far and wide - 'Ascension' E.P. coming to a close with 'Warrior Of The Night'. Featuring the immensely bombastic pop come power metal attitude of bands such as Battle Beast and Metalite, 'Warrior Of The Night' is a smile inducing party metal march to melt the hearts of every listener around the world.    
             
Overall, a hard rocking, heavy hitting symphonic power metal swagger from a new band on the block impressing with their debut release.    
             
             
Review by Iron Mathew Collins    
             
Reviewed for Metal Gods TV    
             
             
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