Band:	Whirlwind
Album:	1714
Style:	Heavy metal
Release date:	November 2022

01. 1714
02. The Call
03. Under Siege
04. Rebels Arise!
05. Torture, Knife & Fire
06. Gallows Tithe
07. Cannons Of Infuriation
08. The Bastard Duke
09. Immortal Heroes
10. Red September
11. Echoes Of Time

So here's 1714, the debut album introduced to us by the newly formed Spanish heavy metallers Whirlwind. Traditional heavy metal with a touch of classic speed metal: that's how I can honestly describe this band's style, with perhaps Black Hand Inn-era Running Wild being the closest resemblance in style, so if that era and style suits you, then make sure you ready yourself for this wild ride.

This Catalonian band are certainly no strangers to traditional heavy metal, as they are formed by members of Redshark, Steelforce and Grave Dreams, and for sure the music is certainly not original; however, the lyrical themes are very interesting. Here, Whirlwind provide the listener with a unique and interesting lesson into Catalonian history: a departure from lyrical themes centred around the Pirates of the Caribbean a la Running Wild. Also, take note of vocalist Héctor Llauradó, as he delivers a quite a wonderful vocal performance, one that would appeal to any fan of Helloween’s Andi Deris.

Seconds into 1714, and I could not help wondering to myself, is this going to be a Spanish version of Running Wild? Well, it was made evidently clear to me after hearing the first track, with those epic speedy riff melodies, tremendous leads, traditionally high energetic vocals, and fist-pumping, catchy stadium anthem choruses that this band was most certainly going to be heading in that direction. Not necessarily a bad thing as far as I'm concerned, though, as I happen to consider myself a pretty major Running Wild fan. Still, is this band is going to be the real deal, and not just some rip-off speed metal performers who take a strong liking to the German pioneers of pirate-themed speed metal? Well whether they are the real deal or not, they certainly have a bit about them.

The album continues to progress in fine traditional heavy metal form, and with each track comes a great headbanging moment, featuring great riff after great riff, bullet-speed tempo, great leads and so on, albeit with nothing particularly out of the ordinary. However, then you hit the fourth track, "Rebels Arise!", and I can swear down I've heard that main riff somewhere before? Could it be the one taken from Running Wild's classic "Black Hand Inn" title track? Well, it's more than likely, but anyhow it's catchy as hell! Then comes the next track "Torture, Knife & Fire" and that riff, wow it's phenomenal! But wait, surely I've heard that somewhere before too? Yes that's it, Running Wild! What was the song again? Well, I can't honestly remember, but at least the chorus is catchy and original. Another song that stands out for me is "Immortal Heroes"; that is a riff and a half on that track! Whether I've heard it before or not, it's still damn catchy, and the chorus and leads are great also.

My conclusion is this: if you miss the old days of Running Wild, but have grown tired of the old pirate themes and would rather opt for something new in that respect, then give Whirlwind a whirl, as they will offer you a lesson in Catalonian history the metalhead way, and for a solid headbanging session, what more could you possibly want?