A big step in the right direction - A review of British Lion's The Burning

Some of the material offered on British Lion's second output The Burning had been performed in concert several years ago and this album had been recorded quite a while back as well but it couldn't see the light of day before this year due to scheduling conflicts with Steve Harris' main band Iron Maiden. Apparently, there is also a British Lion live album ready and waiting to be released one day. The idea to sit on new material for so long for business reasons is appalling to me. Steve Harris is repeating things yet again as Iron Maiden is apparently sitting on a completed new album that has been ready for several months but that isn't even close to be released yet.

Thankfully, the music on The Burning sounds much less calculated than its complicated release policy. After the lukewarm hard rock debut record offered seven and a half years earlier, this new release is a big step in the right direction for anyone who was expecting the band to come around with vibrant heavy metal music.

The vocals sound much more variable, powerful and domineering than before which can especially witnessed in more melodic tunes like ''Legend''.

The guitar play has improved greatly as both guitarists harmonize perfectly in the rhythm and solo departments as one can hear in tracks like the atmospheric, diversified and epic opener ''City of Fallen Angels''.

The drums sound variable, energetic and creative and several tunes like the wonderful title song ''The Burning'' even include short, focused and dynamic solos.

The bass guitar has become even more domineering as we even witness vibrant solos as in the epic album highlight ''Father Lucifer''.

The song writing is concise with track lengths between four and six and a half minutes that never overstay their welcome. The record has great flow as the eleven tracks with a running time of one hour pass by in a heartbeat. The most complete tunes and album highlights might be the melodic anthems ''Spit Fire'' and ''Bible Black'' with their inspired storytelling.

The production is better than on the predecessor that sounded quite muffled. Still, the record doesn't sound as energetic as the band sounds in concert as I could personally witness on two separate occasions. That's why the rumoured future release of a live album might unveil the band's entire potential.

As it is now, British Lion has evolved from a Steve Harris project into a band where every member contributes greatly. This might also be the reason why the official name changed from Steve Harris over Steve Harris' British Lion to British Lion. To be honest, this band sounds more creative, dynamic and hungry than Iron Maiden these days. If you had been disappointed by the band's debut, don't hesitate to give this much stronger output a chance.

Final rating: 85%