A CAUSTIC THOUGHT reunion in Vancouver, British Columbia in March of 2008 began a process that would see the conception of CITY OF FIRE. Bassist Byron Stroud and drummer Robert Wagner (also of ECONOLINE CRUSH), along with guitarist Terry Murray (of the Hard Rock band SHOCORE) worked together to define a new sound, inspired by the city they call home. Stroud contacted FEAR FACTORY band mate Burton C. Bell - who shared similar musical interests - to complete the lineup. The result: a potent mixture of Hard Rock and Metal, with elements of Punk and Industrial, filled with heavy grooves and brooding moods.

What is especially pleasing, and refreshing, is the maturity of the sound on "City Of Fire". This is meant as a compliment in every way. The band members are all seasoned veterans, with years of experience; there is no need to play aggressively just for the sake of aggression - leave that to the newer, younger bands. The rage here is expressed in calculated moments. The slower to mid-tempo songs often subscribe to the less is more approach, which works superbly. The guitars do not shred excessively; the riffing is simple yet effective, with plenty of hooks, and quality, well-placed solos. The drums do not pound incessantly but provide a solid rhythm that propels the music at the listener. The sweet and chunky bass grooves rumble along like a brontosaurus. And, of course, there is Bell's distinctive and pioneering voice: barking one moment, operatic the next.

The songs on "City Of Fire" range from grinding rockers like the lead track "Carve Your Name", "Coitus Interruptus" and "Hanya" to the more laid-back and spacey "Spirit Guide" and "Dark Tides". "Gravity" is a chugging, southern-flavoured, heavy-as-all-hell number. "Rising" and "A Memory" are the two most accessible (read: radio-friendly) songs on the album, but do not expect them to find their way onto any AOR radio station any time soon; they are nothing like the typical tripe played there. The cover of THE CULT's "Rain" is very Doom-y with hints of psychedelia.

CITY OF FIRE's eponymous debut is a pleasant surprise, a true standout in the ongoing flood of Hard Rock and Metal bands, defying easy classification. Powerful, refined and preternatural, "City of Fire" is a disciplined firestorm of sound. The band's understated confidence is evident throughout this release. They are not out to prove their worth; that has already been done. Instead, they have proven that they can create music that enthralls the listener from beginning to end. One can only hope that CITY OF FIRE becomes a blazing inferno in the landscape of Heavy music.