BONFIRE – Higher Ground

RELEASE YEAR: 2025
BAND URL: https://www.bonfire.de/

I recall reviewing Bonfire’s Pearls all the way back in 2016 and loving their take on huge-sounding hard rock and classic heavy metal with heaps of groove and class to it, and Higher Ground, which is their latest output, is a statement of intent and shows that there is still a lot of mileage left in the tank. Fucking hell, this is some sturdy and cool stuff, you guys. Oh yes!

These chaps go way back and have been around for ages, which comes to the fore on Higher Ground in that it sounds as if it was written and performed by seasoned veterans who have been around the block a few times. Such is the determination and confidence that ooze from every pore of this irresistibly catchy output, and there is a certain joy to receiving and reviewing something that is as thoroughly thought through yet vibrant and colorful as this hard-rocking gem is. The record harbors an engaging vibe and there are some absolute keepers here in the shape of “Fallin’,” “Come Hell or High Water,” “I Will Rise,” and the enigmatic intro named “Nostradamus” that transport the listener to a wondrous place. The production is perfectly crunchy and powerful, the musicianship is first-rate, and the compositions contain enough substance and spirit to warrant countless repeated spins or stream. The only track that adds little of real worth is the re-recording of “Rock ‘n’ Roll Survivor,” which is simply superfluous.  

Fans of Accept, Def Leppard, Judas Priest, and Whitesnake could do worse than spending a few hours in the company of Higher Ground. Long may Bonfire continue!