Fueled by Fire - Spread
the Fire (Metal
Blade) 2007
1. "Intro: Ernest
Goest to Hell" (2:12)
2. "Thrash Is Back" (5:13)
3. "Striking Death" (3:30)
4. "Spread the Fire!!!" (4:09)
5. "Betrayal" (5:22)
6. "Massive Execution" (2:56)
7. "Metal Forever" (3:22)
8. "Dreams of Terror" (4:07)
9. "Command of the Beast" (5:01)
10. "Chaotic Punishment" (4:56)
11. "Put to Death" (5:05)
Not long ago I picked up a CD by a young new band out of California called Merciless Death. They play thrash metal like it was 1986 all over again. With that release I discovered a whole new list of young thrash bands and Fueled by Fire is one of those bands, along with Meltdown, Hyades, Anger as Art, Blood Tsunami, Avenger of Blood, etc. It seems thrash has made a bit of a come back in the metal underground. Fueled by Fire are also from California and are one of those bands that wear their denim and leather proud. The cover art of the thrasher chocking the goth chick says a lot about the band's approach to their music and their lifestyles. They don't just play thrash metal, it's what they are all about. Ok, there is something to be said about originality. Fueled by Fire sound like a mix of "Kill 'Em All" and "Bonded by Blood", but so what? It's not about trying to be the next big, new thing. It's about playing the style of music you like, and Fueled by Fire like THRASH! The album is crammed full of tight riffs, fast licks, and a young, hungry, punk delivery. No compromise here at all. It's all about the attitude, the scene, and metal. There is even the occasional galloping classic metal riff, such as in the lead break of "Betrayal". The lyrics are pretty typical of what one would expect from a band of this style. With titles like "Thrash Is Back" and "Metal Forever", what can you expect? However, I am one who appreciates metal anthems. They are just plain fun! In a word, "Spread the Fire" RULES! Thrash is back. If you don't believe it, take a listen for yourself.
It's also worth mentioning that the album is mixed and mastered by Armored Saint's Joey Vera. Also, the insert has one of those cool collages that we use to see on albums from bands like Nuclear Assault and Anthrax, as well as lots of pictures of the band sporting their favorite metal t-shirts.