Rave In Fire Square One Review
Rave In Fire
Square One
High Roller Records
2026
Classic metal (those bands, songs, and albums fashioned in the ’70s to the early ’90s) is very much a niche genre in 2026. Sure, you have the old guard still touring, recording, and in some cases still selling, but metal as a genre has now splintered into what is seemingly around 18,000 genres and subgenres. The classic stuff (Priest, Maiden, Dio, etc.) isn't really producing new and noteworthy bands on American soil unless you have an ear to the ground and are in the know. There is an argument to be made that there are bands and fans for that sound still here and alive in a thriving underground independent scene, and while I don't disagree, the main fanbase and plethora of bands that seem to invoke the denim n’ leather feelings of old, and in increasing numbers, reside in Europe. That brings me to Madrid's Rave In Fire, and the neon glow of their newest album, Square One, from the prolific High Roller Records.
Rave In Fire have been kicking around for a few years, and in 2018 they released the EP Chronicle of a Timeless End, followed by the full-length Sons of A Lie in 2022. After making a German live debut in 2024 at the Trvheim Festival, we are now here with the nine-song third release. Fully produced and engineered by the band themselves (specifically by guitarist Jonjo Negrete), the production is clean, with every instrument and vocal being heard loud and clear with a modern sheen. What's interesting about Rave In Fire is that they are a female-led band. I bring this up not because it's uncommon now, but simply because you don't hear many bands in this style (classic, power, and even some proggier moments) having women on the vocals. Sele’s pipes remind me of an edgier Pat Benatar and prime Doro Pesch from her Warlock days. She can belt, has the right amount of grit and rasp, and can be quietly subdued and vulnerable in her approach.
Musically, the band (rounded out by Jonjo – guitars, Sara – bass, and Jimi – drums) meld together a sound that relies on metal of the somewhat poppier, yet edgy variety. It's not a guitar-centric record (they have riffs, make no mistake), and it allows space for the other instruments to be featured and to breathe. Rave In Fire flirt with speed, thrash, and prog throughout, but the main modus operandi here recalls Dio, the Scorpions, harder Dokken, and Chastain. They are all at once tuneful (“Witch’s Hell”), speedy and catchy (“Dark Poison”), and introspective and epic (“Square One”). For my money, the absolute best track is the open-stringed picked guitars, double kicks, and soaring melodic vocals of “Crown of Stars”. The chorus is worth the price of admission alone.
Rave In Fire have crafted an album that is nostalgic, yet forward-thinking. They seamlessly go from fist-pumping NWOBHM to radio-friendly mainstream metal and traditional fare with progressive nuances, without sounding disjointed or unfocused. These are well-thought-out arrangements and superb musicianship that I, for one, hope bring them loftier accolades within the global scene. Square One should be in everyone's collection this year, even if the cover art depicting an alligator or lizard riding what appears to be a motorcycle amongst a brightly neon-lit city street is a bit quizzical. Like the band themselves, it's just weird enough to work!
RIYL- Dio, The Scorpions, Chastain, Dokken and Barón Rojo and Obús, but also acts like Witchtower, Leather Heart, Steelhorse or Hitten.
~TB