Stockholm, Sweden-based Ignited is a multi-national four-piece band formed in 2017. Cradle Of The Wicked is their sophomore album and a follow-up to the critically acclaimed Steelbound. The band was born in Brazil and has since relocated. Featuring two Brazilians, one Londoner, and a Swede, there is a diversity to their lineup that is reflected in their sound as well. Their music has elements of Bay Area thrash, NWOBHM, Classic Heavy Metal, and some Power Metal all fused into one excellent blend of heaviness with a distinct tone. This is one of those bands that will work its’ way into your brain and take up residence.

http://www.ignitedmetal.com/

Band Members:

  • Denis Lima – Vocals (Brazil)
  • Dalton Castro – Guitars (Stockholm – Sweden)
  • Martin Bellucci – Bass (London – UK)
  • Maurício Velasco – Drums (Brazil)

October 27, 2023

Tracklist:

  1. Cradle Of The Wicked
  2. The Overflow
  3. At The Damned’s Hall
  4. Bloody Satisfied
  5. Uncontrollable
  6. The Sewer Lords
  7. Life Goes By
  8. Nightshift
  9. Tearing Down The Walls
  10. Abyss Of Fear

The opening riff of the album, conveniently located in the title track, immediately hits you in the face. It has a nice chugging rhythm that is both intense and satisfying. With some well-placed leads and a nicely done multi-part solo, the song shows off the skills of both the writers and the players. The lead work complements the rhythm very well, creating a complex layer of sounds that draw the ear and hold the attention. All of that supports the voice which ranges from deep chest voice to falsetto, adding even more depth to the overall composition.

While many of Ignited’s songs start with a fairly fast-paced riff, “At The Damned’s Hall” opens slowly and builds to a mid-tempo offering. The vocal delivery does not change, using the same range in every song, so this proves there is more than one way to build a killer base for what Denis has to offer. Ignited has the ability to vary their rhythms with no loss of power, giving them a choice in how they want to deliver whatever style Hard Rock they desire. They can choose between more Glam oriented or go for something closer to Heavy Metal.

The flexibility and diversity they offer up is wonderful to behold. There is something for everyone on this disc. “Life Goes By” is the almost Power Ballad on the record, bringing the 80s back to the forefront, reminding me of the past fondly. Ignited has the ability to craft songs that are both throwback and modern, giving me the warm fuzzies for my long-forgotten youth. I love new and different things in music, but I also love to be reminded of where my journey started, so this band giving me both is one of the best ways to close out the year.

MZ Ratings:

Musicianship:

  •             Guitars – 9
  •             Rhythms – 9
  •             Vocals – 9
  • Songwriting – 9
  • Production – 9

Overall – 9.00