Wings of Steel – Winds of Time Review
By ClarkKent
I know what you’re thinking: how is it that ClarkKent is reviewing Wings of Steel instead of Steel Druhm? Believe it or not, he let me review it. After all, he’s not the only steel-named writer in these halls. For those not steeped in DC universe lore, my nickname is Man of Steel—though Steel, in his fatherly way, prefers to call me dumbass, like Red Forman in That ’70s Show. But I see symbolism in his gesture of letting me review this, like he’s taken me under his wings—of steel. Not that he has wings. I don’t have wings either, but I can fly, so it’s fitting that I get to review the sophomore effort from this sensational group out of L.A. Last time we saw them two years ago, they were but a duo. They have since added a drummer, Damien Rainaud, as well as a couple of other uncredited musicians pictured in the band photo. Read on to find out if it’s safe to bask in the breeze of Winds of Time, or whether you’d best stay upwind.
The additional member(s) and a label does come with a slight change in sound—but no worries, Winds of Time is still pure ’70s and ’80s anthemic classic metal worship. This time around, they have a much more focused attack. Where Steel found the genre shifts on Gates of Twilight “scattershot,” this time around, you get very little of the epic doom or bluesy stuff and mostly speed metal and power ballads. This is full-on Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Crimson Glory, and Queensryche worship. Wings of Steel demonstrate their speedy prowess right from the get-go on opener “Winds of Time.” This ten-minute epic shows off their catchy and dynamic songwriting, as the song twists and turns organically, swapping from speed to ballad and strung together by at least three fast and furious solos. If you love blustery solos, then you best prepare to get blown away by Winds of Time.
Wings of Steel know how to grab your attention, whether it’s on the Painkiller-era, adrenaline-fueled “Saints and Sinners,” or the Mötley Crüe and Ozzy Osbourne-style ballad of “Crying.” It’s not just the energy of the one or the tear-inducing effect of the other. These tunes will have you belting along with the heart-pumping choruses while shredding a mean air guitar. The lyrics, at least those I could pick out, are a mix of rousing and moving. “To Die in Holy War” takes a play out of the Iron Maiden book in its ability to tell a poignant story. It combines some doleful guitar riffs with powerful blast beats and furious, energetic riffs to convey an anti-war message.1 The true showstopper is the phenomenal closer, “Flight of the Eagle.”2 Aided by a killer melody and brilliant chorus, this song slowly, methodically builds up to a climax that rocked my socks and had me in tears. It’s that good.
Impressive as the songwriting is, the musicianship is also top-notch. Leo Unnermark evokes Dio and Midnight, bringing a charismatic energy to his vocal performance. He attacks every note with confidence, from soft croons to high in the sky screams, and, at least to my ears, his voice never strains. Even if it does here and there, so what? The guy is having a blast and it shows. On the kit, Rainaud’s drums punch with force and his blast beats are relentless, but he also shows a more sensitive side when the album requires it. Parker Halub handles axe duty with aplomb. The riffs are great, and he helps tracks stay lively through the use of ’80s squeals and harmonics that give songs like “Burning Sands” a feeling of constant kinetic motion. These guys are all playing their A-game.
With all that’s come in the preceding paragraphs, there’s no doubt Wings of Steel have achieved greatness. Yes, there’s still some room to improve. Song lengths could be tightened here and there, and the tune “Lights Go Out” sounds like a piece of epic doom inspired by Rush’s “Tom Sawyer,” and it sticks out like a sore thumb. It’s not a bad song, but it brings a completely different vibe from the rest of the record. Still, the surrounding material on Winds of Time is strong enough to whip up hurricane-force gales and demolish that poor score counter. These guys have improved on an already really good debut—next time I might not be so lucky to claim it from our overlord ape.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
DR: 7 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: RFL Music Entertainment
Websites: Bandcamp | Facebook | Official Site
Releases Worldwide: October 17th, 2025
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