Like so many other bands ADVENT OF FIRE from Finland started as cover band. And the more I listened to their debut “Verikaste” the more my opinion solidified they should have stayed a cover band. A harsh verdict, but I will try to explain. The problem is not the musicianship, aspects like technical and song-writing skills are in place. The problem is not the Jazz part at the end of the album, because it is just one minute long and the cover artwork may look pretty semi-professional, but that is what makes the charm and by the way, I have seen more dilettante drawings. But the huge problem I have with the nine songs, plus intro and a cover version of ‘Heaven And Hell’ by BLACK SABBATH, is the simple fact that almost every song is located within a different sub-genre of Heavy Metal. We have bare Heavy Metal, mid-tempo Thrash Metal, fast-paced Thrash Metal, plain Death Metal, melodic Death Metal, blackened Death Metal, grinding Death Metal, grim Black Metal, epic Black Metal, BATHORY inspired Viking Metal with acoustic interludes. That is just too much for my ears. Each song on its own works good for me, but in the long run the frequent style changes are just annoying and exhausting. With so many styles within under one hour I did not even recognize the last track is a cover version. So as Christmas draws closer, a wish regarding the next album. Please concentrate on one or two genres, too many cooks spoil the broth. Anyhow, who wants to make up his / her own mind, please visit for more information www.facebook.com/adventoffire or www.facebook.com/greatdanerecords.