Artist: Fire Magic
Country: USA
Label: BlackSeed Productions / Stygian Black Hand
Formats: LP / CD
Year: 2026
With the release of a demo tape in 2020 and their debut album, ‘Undying Revolt’ (2022), both through Stygian Black Hand, the US-based Black Metal band Fire Magic already managed to attract some attention with their rather unorthodox blend of Black Metal and Heavy Metal. Nevertheless, it took the band almost four years to capitalize on that positive momentum and produce a follow-up. By the end of winter 2026, the moment had finally arrived: the duo released ‘Memories Of Fire’, with Stygian Black Hand once again handling the vinyl version and the CD being produced by the Spanish label BlackSeed Productions.
On ‘Memories Of Fire’ the band, whose two members are also active in bands such as Left Cross, Spite and Antichrist Siege Machine, continue along the path they had taken earlier. Which means a brand of Black Metal with loads of melody, classic guitar and heavily laced with traditional Heavy Metal. This reflects a strong sense of creativity and a desire to do something different from everyone else.
Although blending the two genres isn’t exactly new, Fire Magic is quite different from the majority because it is much less bombastic. In fact, the rather modest approach and execution is something that leaves me puzzled for the most part. It is definitely not necessary to go all wild on your strings in Guitar Hero or Malmsteen fashion, but I can’t shake the feeling that they aren’t reaching their full potential. A lot of that might have to do with the rather flat and dry production/mixing courtesy of Dan Gargiulo (Articifial Brain, ex-Revocation). The lack of depth and punch is striking and truly a missed opportunity to make ‘Memories Of Fire’ a true highlight of the year.
Musically speaking, the duo definitely know their craft, but actually, they all keep it just a bit too neat and tidy. A bit of roughness or some genuine passion would certainly give the music an extra dimension. It’s actually the same problem Antichrist Siege Machine faces: too clean-cut, which is why a band like Proclamation or Black Witchery is always preferable. That’s the case here too; it’s quite good, but it doesn’t really leave a lasting impression.
