Battlebeast – Steelbound

Finnish metal institution Battle Beast returns with Steelbound, their seventh studio album. Once again, the band proves that they are one of the most consistent forces in modern heavy metal.

After the experimental Circus of Doom, which in places coined the term ‘disco metal’ for me, Battle Beast this time succeeds in creating a gripping combination of hardness, anthemic melodies and that unshakeable zest for life that has long since become their trademark.

A glance at the promotional material clearly shows how Battle Beast position themselves: as a band that effortlessly oscillates between classic metal, powerful synthesizers and symphonic spheres. With a healthy dose of 80s hard rock in their repertoire, the heavy metal hitmakers from Helsinki create a soundscape that is energetic, catchy and uncompromisingly entertaining.

Battle Beast make an impressive comeback. The advance single ‘Here We Are’ left no doubt that the Finns want to hit the ground running with their new album. Although the title sounds like classic heavy metal, the band proves once again that they want to reinterpret the genre with modern energy and a penchant for grand gestures.

Noora Louhimo shines above all, her expressive voice leaving her unmistakable mark on every song. She is supported by driving riffs and rich synthesizer use, which places the sound somewhere between stadium anthem and epic power metal.

The opener ‘The Burning Within’ immediately catapults you into the thick of the action: powerful riffs, anthemic vocals and a production with punch that cries out for big stages. Steelbound seems sharper overall – the mixture of classic metal, epic 80s synth textures and modern hooks sounds fresher and more accessible than before.

With the title track ‘Steelbound’, the album then takes a softer direction. Instead of heavy guitars, gentle hard rock tones and opulent keyboard pads dominate here – the whole thing has a distinctly poppy undertone and is almost reminiscent of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. ‘Twilight Cabaret’ also picks up on this mood, weaving Latin American rhythms, subtle guitars and piano with Caribbean flair – a bold, if somewhat kitschy, excursion.

‘Last Goodbye’ starts with glittering 80s synths before the guitars briefly take over, only to give way to the keyboard again in the chorus. ‘The Long Road’ serves as an epic, symphonic instrumental – bombastic, but without any real surprises.

‘Blood Of Heroes’ pits guitars against keyboards, with the latter clearly setting the tone. The chorus bears the typical Battle Beast signature, but seems tamer than usual. On ‘Angel Of Midnight’, the band finally loses its edge – too soft, too well-behaved, too smooth. ‘Riders Of The Storm’ scores with a cool groove, but also suffers from a lack of guitar punch. What a shame.

The album concludes with ‘Watch The Sky Fall’, which is heavily influenced by 80s Italo pop and finally pushes the band's metal side into the background.

Opinions will be divided on the sound of Steelbound. For some, the album is a bold, modern step full of energy and addictive potential – for others, it is a break with what Battle Beast once stood for. One thing is certain: the Finns will win new fans with this mixture of pop and power, but long-time followers may find it harder to accept.

In principle, there is absolutely nothing wrong with power metal merging with pop elements. But here it seems a little too smooth in places: the gloss overshadows the rough edges, and the sound loses some of its metallic power as a result.

I have spoken to people who have seen Battle Beast live and watched a few performances myself – there they exude a raw, rousing energy. It remains to be seen whether the new work can convey this power on stage – but it's not out of the question.

All the band's typical characteristics are there: the anthemic choruses, the Nordic melancholy, the dazzling keyboard pads. But the bite that made the early albums so electrifying is not quite there. Many songs are more reminiscent of an elaborately staged rock musical than the uncompromising hardness of days gone by. The sophisticated songwriting is clearly recognisable, but it is bathed in 80s Italo pop glamour, while the guitars mostly accompany rather than lead.

So – where is Steelbound taking us?

The album shows Battle Beast as a band in transition. The balancing act between metallic heaviness and pop catchiness doesn't always work – at least for me. But when has change ever worked without friction?

The Finns present themselves in a more modern and melodic way, with flawless production, strong vocals and plenty of catchy tunes. At the same time, some of the impetuous energy that made their early works so special is lost. New listeners will appreciate the accessible sound, while long-time fans may miss some of the bite and passion.

A bold, but not entirely risk-free step into a new era.