HUMAN FORTRESS, another familiar name, yet one that I haven’t heard for quite a
while. I remember their first two albums, both of them stellar efforts of solid
Euro-Power metal with epic themes and touches, and both of them filled with a couple of hit songs, like “Knights in shining armour” and “Defenders of the crown”, yet
afterwards I lost them.
Catching up with them, I learned that they still go strong, with three or four
albums in the Euro-power style we all love and crave. “Stronghold” is their
latest effort after a few years of absence and frankly I couldn’t be happier with it.
It kicks off with the title track, typical in the Euro-power style, catchy, melodic,
simplistic with a lead theme that sounds familiar and comforting. It’s a relief to see bands that have been around for such time, still to draw inspiration from the same themes as their early albums.
HUMAN FORTRESS, sound both familiar yet original: HELLOWEEN (both early and
latter era), GAMMA RAY, CHROMING ROSE, ROYAL HUNT (in their most heavier songs), STRATOVARIUS, yet they avoid sounding too cheesy.
Songs like “Pain”, “The abyss of our souls”, “Under the gun”, tend towards a darker/heavier side, reminding me of MOB RULES but other tracks like “Road to nowhere” or “Silent scream” have a catchier hard rock-ish vibe.
Epic moments and Celtic themes are minimized compared with their previous
album “The reign of gold”, yet there are there,mainly on the choruses or the guitar themes.
As far as the musicianship is concerned, members of HUMAN FORTRESS are seasoned
musicians and know how to deliver a quality album. Gus Mosanto‘s vocals are
flawless, though they stray from the high pitched tone, typical of the style. He reminded me a mixture of D.C. Cooper and Ralf Scheepers something which is more than welcome.
To sum up, I’d say that those of you, who enjoy this style and seek something to
listen along with the new MOB RULES and PRIMAL FEAR album, should definitely take
a listen.
”Stronghold” will be released on the 24th of October 2025 by Massacre Records and will be available on LP and as a 2-CD mediabook.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
