WINGS OF STEEL - Winds of Time LP HRR 1043LP, 425gsm heavy cardboard cover, lyric sheet 1st pressing: ltd 1000, 400 x black, 450 y golden vinyl, 150 x splatter vinyl (HRR mailorder exclusive) 2nd pressing: ltd 500, 150 x black + 350 x 3 color marble vinyl Leo Unnermark - Vocals Parker Halub - Guitars & Bass Damien Rainaud - Drums 01 Winds of Time 02 Saints and Sinners 03 Crying 04 Burning Sands 05 To Die in Holy War 06 Lights Go Out 07 We Rise 08 Flight of the Eagle LTD Splatter SOLD OUT black & golden LAST COPIES 2nd pressing: January 9th

If you are a connoisseur of hard rock and traditional heavy metal, then you should note the name Wings Of Steel, a band you will definitely hear from a lot in the not too distant future. Wings of Steel was formed when vocalist Leo Unnermark and guitarist/bassist Parker Halub met while studying music in Los Angeles. They both shared the same vision and musical influences and began working together to create and refine their musical sound and style that would eventually become Wings of Steel. 2019 was the year the two started writing songs together, but the band Wings Of Steel did not really exist before the release of their self-titled debut EP in 2022. “There are many, many different influences that helped to shape our sound,” explains singer Leo Unnermark, who is not fond of attaching a label to his band’s style, “the music speaks for itself, words alone cannot do it justice. But some words that could begin to describe it include: expressive, epic, heavy, dynamic, heartfelt, electric, flashy, classic yet modern, bluesy, energetic, genuine.” A year after the mentioned EP, the first full-length album by Wings Of Steel, »Gates Of Twilight«, saw the light of day, and sometime in 2024 the band got in contact with High Roller Records: “We had already talked with several larger European labels but didn’t want to sign a full licensing deal and risk losing ownership of our music. However, High Roller was excited to work with us to distribute our albums on CD and vinyl in the EU, so we could still be our own label. This is the kind of arrangement we had in mind, and we are very glad we were able to find a mutually beneficial way to work together, where most importantly, our European fans will be able to buy our music much more easily.” »Gates Of Twilight« received favourable reviews, especially over in Europe, where Germany’s Rock Hard magazine described Leo’s vocals as a cross between Geoff Tate and Bruce Dickinson. “It’s humbling to be considered alongside such legendary names,” is the singer’s reaction. “There are more influences that go into the vocals, and depending on what song, there are many more legendary voices that a comparison could be drawn with if one so chooses. But certainly, in terms of vocal range and creative vocal melodies.” All songs on the brand-new album »Winds Of Time« were written by Parker Halub and Leo Unnermark. Vocals were done by Leo Unnermark, guitars and bass by Parker Halub. The two form the core of Wings Of Steel. Drums were recorded by Damien Rainaud, who also mixed and mastered the album. As with the band’s previous releases, the album was produced by Parker Halub and Leo Unnermark. »Winds Of Time« was written, recorded, and produced in California between September and November 2024. “Faster and heavier, but still dynamic, expressive, emotional, and epic,” is how Leo Unnermark describes »Winds Of Time« in comparison to its predecessor »Gates Of Twilight«. “The identity and character of the sound is still the driving force behind it. We are very satisfied with how the new album turned out. We can’t wait for release day, to see how these songs are received by our fans, and to play the songs live. As with »Gates Of Twilight«, »Winds Of Time« is not exactly a full-on concept album, but the songs are generally rooted together with a similar concept. On »Winds Of Time« we reflect on the state of the world today: war, tragedy, tyranny, oppression, darkness, depression, death, but also unity, hope, and peace. While the musical style may be considered old school, the album is very much a testament of the modern-day era. Musically, the album covers a lot of territory, and each song really has its own unique place and identity. But a great ‘overview’ could be the title track and first single ‘Winds Of Time’ as musically and lyrically this was the song that really set the tempo for the album.” “Winds Of Time” is indeed a fantastic song, an epic composition way over ten minutes long, evoking the ghost of classic, Kiske-era Helloween, with a bit of Crimson Glory and early Dio thrown in for good measure. What a way to open up the album! Leo explains: “We wanted to put a song typically deemed a ‘B-side’ or ‘deep cut’ in the front and center as the lead single at the top of the album! As far as influences go, as mentioned previously, there are far more bands beyond those that go into it, but of course those are some excellent examples as well.” As well as the vocals, the guitar playing on the album (by Parker Halub) is outstanding too, ranging from neo-classical stuff to a more shredding style, a very interesting mixture overall ... Once again, Leo shies away from any comparisons: “Just like the vocals, there’s many influences that have gone into the guitar playing. Ultimately, it’s all about the expression, and using the technique as a tool to create something impactful, instead of just showing off. All the solos are almost like a ‘song within the song’ and are a significant part of the band’s sound.” Comparing “Winds Of Time” to “Saints And Sinners”, another highlight of the album, the latter is a bit more straight forward and faster. “Yes, this is the shortest track of the album, and that the band has written to date,” confirms the vocalist. “In contrast to the 10+ minute epic ‘Winds Of Time’, we wanted to go back to the simplicity and beauty of something more straightforward and ‘classic’. However, considering how short the song is, it really has a lot to offer for its duration.” If you listen to “Crying”, you will recognize that Wings Of Steel are not afraid of power ballads either, as Leo Unnermark states: “That’s a very important cornerstone of our sound. This one has a more classic 80s vibe to it, and certainly a touch of some bluesy influences in the leads as well.” With its galloping rhythm “To Die In Holy War” is slightly reminiscent of Iron Maiden, whereas the fantastic “Lights Go Out” is the closest Wings Of Steel get to epic doom metal, just as Leo Unnermark confirms: “Black Sabbath are a big influence for both of us, and this song certainly has some influences from the Dio and Tony Martin era. But also from Dio’s solo career with albums such as »Lock Up The Wolves« and »Master of the Moon«.” Finally, we have “Flight Of The Eagle”, the second epic on »Winds Of Time« and a perfect way to close the album ... totally brilliant stuff! Classic 70’s Priest at its very best! “This track started out as an instrumental song,” elaborates the singer of Wings Of Steel, “it features some of Parker’s absolute best lead work on the guitar (and that’s saying something), paired with emotional and dynamic vocals that take you on a journey, this is a song that truly brings out the authenticity in our songwriting. Similarly to ‘Into The Sun’ from »Gates Of Twilight«, this song allows us to express our creativity in a way that’s different from many current heavy metal bands.” MATTHIAS MADER