Bridear are writing their own book of heavy metal on their fifth album. Musically, they’ve got more in common with the likes of Firewind than with Babymetal, but the all-female quintet from Fukuoka have nailed down a sound that is at once quintessentially Japanese and uniquely theirs. With producer Fredrik Nordström behind the mixing desk, the band once again excel at marrying NWOBHM and European power metal with infectious J-pop choruses.
Still Burning’s crisp, sharp-edged guitar riffing opens the record with an urgent, grand statement of intent; Braver Words showcases Bridear’s knack for proggy breakdowns that give way to proper guitar-hero shredding from ‘Sukiyaki Sisters’ Ayumi and Moe. The album’s title track stands out for its sweet yet saccharine-free chorus, while Empty Mind boasts a delectable wall of sound. Fredrik Nordström’s mix could do with being a bit heftier, but Bridear’s songwriting is what makes Born Again such a solid album.
