Echo Scale: ★★★★ (4.0)
Alright, hold onto your ear-drums! We’ve got a fresh slab of steel for your listening pleasure. The Last Bastion is here with their album, “Who We Are,” and if their bio is anything to go by, they’re “forging a new era of Heavy Metal” and “defending their way of life.” Sounds like they mean business, right? So, let’s dive into this auditory assault and see if their metal is truly battle-hardened or just a bit rusty.
The Metal Machine Kicks In: “Ignite” and “Who We Are”
From the moment the engine roars to life on “Ignite,” you know exactly what The Last Bastion is about. This isn’t background music; it’s a loud, obnoxious, balls-to-the-wall anthem clad in leather, probably sipping whiskey and smoking a cigarette in a dark alley. The guitar tone is spot-on for classic metal riffage – gritty, powerful, and utterly unapologetic. I was braced for a solo that was just a mindless shred-fest, but lo and behold, it’s tasteful, melodic, and genuinely fun! While the vocals feel a touch forced, almost like an act, this opener is a stunner. A cool, albeit somewhat predictable, start to the album.
The titular track, “Who We Are,” lives up to its name, starting with an intro that doesn’t just kick down the door; it thunder-cunts you up the side of the head with a big boot made of noise. That classic, 80s metal guitar tone is insanely on point, and the guitarist’s penchant for pinch harmonics is a delight. This track is genuinely heavy, a leviathan of a song designed to be enormous, and they’ve nailed it. My vocal reservations persist – talented, yes, but it still feels a little fake, like a generic “tough guy” voice. However, the presence and atmosphere here are undeniable, and the drums, especially that meaty, meaty kick, are a masterclass. Honestly, a The Last Bastion gig sounds like a hell of a night based on this track alone!
Riff Lords and Drumming Devotion: “Screaming in Silence” & “Pay the Price”
The band’s claim as “riff lords” is undeniable. “Screaming in Silence” is another testament to their ability to forge riffs that make you want to grab your own guitar and start jamming. (Don’t be surprised if I’m learning some of this album soon!). Another song, another world-class guitar solo – a well-deserved round of applause there. Typically, this is where I’d start craving a change of pace, and while “Screaming in Silence” delivers the same great spirit and attitude, the album does start to feel a bit one-note. On a side note, the production on this entire album is genuinely fantastic; really well-mixed, which gives everything that extra punch.
“Pay the Price” kicks off with an intro that had me running out of superlatives for their riff-writing abilities. These aren’t just collections of spare parts from the “Loose End Riffs” drawer; The Last Bastion crafts coherent, powerful songs. And the drumming? A metal drumming masterclass! So deep in the pocket, if somebody asked you to grab him, they’d accuse you of ahem playing with yourself. Those toms sound massive, and the attack is just chef’s kiss.
Seeking Variety: “The Aviator,” “Seven Deadly Sins,” and “Medusa”
By the time we hit “The Aviator,” my yearning for variety is at its peak. They do what they do very well, but a little more dynamic range wouldn’t hurt. The vocal criticisms are never truer than here; it almost spoils the song. Luckily, the relentless pace and energy rescue it, making it a well-written track that ebbs and flows like a future classic.
Then comes “Seven Deadly Sins,” and that intro and riff are pure sleaze. Stank face guaranteed! This track dips its toes into more blues-influenced rock riffs while thankfully retaining that core metal spirit. It’s a welcome, if slight, shift.
“Medusa” brings the big riffage back. Don’t let anyone say The Last Bastion aren’t consistent, though sometimes that can be a fault. I enjoy that one note, but you know, you can have too much of a good thing. The highlight here is undoubtedly the riff lurking underneath the line “Medusa, Medusa,” which is an absolute Pantera-style groovy mosh monster – top marks for that! And the guitar solo on this track? A certified peach, easily the best on the album.
Album Zenith: “Through the Storm” and “World On Fire”
Without a doubt, “Through the Storm” is the album’s highlight. Opening with a cool storm soundscape, this song is big, big, big. Atmospheric and a true leviathan of a metal song. The guitars, bass, and drums all serve the track immaculately. Headbanger heaven, right here!
And to close things out (before the bonus track), we have “World On Fire.” A grand finish, another towering edifice of a classic metal song. It’s brimming with gorgeous rhythm and guitar harmonies, along with some really well-paced and structured changes. It’s clear this isn’t The Last Bastion’s first rodeo; they’re writing music they love, and that couldn’t be more obvious than on this track. Well done indeed.
Finally, we have “Rebel Soul (Bonus Demo).” As a demo, we’re not holding it to the same production standards, but it still holds up admirably. This song knows exactly what it is: more of the same fast, groovy riffs, booming vocals (despite my reservations), and drumming perfection. A great, no-nonsense way to close out the album.
The Verdict: A Headbanger’s Dream (with a Few Caveats)
In conclusion, “Who We Are” is undeniably a guitar player’s wet dream, and a drummer’s too while we’re at it. It’s fast, chaotic, and bursting with character. The sound is cohesive, and everything is perfectly on-brand with The Last Bastion’s vision of defending their heavy metal way of life.
My primary reservation remains with the vocals. While the vocalist clearly possesses range and power, the delivery often feels inauthentic, leaning into a generic “tough guy” voice that doesn’t quite resonate with the genuine passion evident in the instrumentation. It’s a minor flaw, but one that prevents the album from reaching true greatness. It’s also worth noting that the album can get a little samey after a while. However, each song stands alone excellently as a testament to The Last Bastion’s raw power and undeniable ability.
If you’re after an album that delivers pure, unadulterated, old-school-meets-modern metal with incredible riffs and punishing drums, then “Who We Are” is your new battle cry.
