When long time singer Zoli Teglas announced that he is leaving Ignite, I thought there is no future for this band. Although Zoli wasn´t original singer, his stint in Ignite marked the band with greatest success in the scene marking them as legends of melodic hardcore punk with one of the best singers out there. But, the band started to bring up posts with mysterious new voice and there it is. After a seven inch, Eli Santana was coronated as new king, new voice and singer of this Orange County band, leaving bassist Brett Rasmussen last original Ignite member.
Jump to present, new album is out with ten songs. Besides already known Anti Complicity Anthem, The River, On The Ropes that were singles from this album prior to release, there are seven more songs with This Day sounding more like old school Call On My Brothers era Ignite, whole vibe and songwriting is return to more hardcore punk waters retaining melody but not somewhat indie and more commercial vibe of band´s last two albums. Eli Santana is not trying to sound like Zoli, but keeping his own style and he sounds fantastic, songs like written for his throat and I await eagerly to catch them live in Europe in this line-up. I watched Ignite five times, yet am eager to hear Eli live. Lyrics still deal with political situation, coping with life, sounding somewhat melancholic like phenomenal On The Ropes and I can safely say that Ignite sounds strong, reborn and hardcore, hence the simple name of the album, being somehow reborn once again like phoenix from the ashes of old. Call Of The Dogs, Enemy or The House Is Burning are sure to become your favorites. The Butcher In Me sounds more similar to songs from recent albums and I think it for me least likeable song on this album, although the album as a whole has no fillers, all of the ten songs are just great.
So, welcome back Ignite! May you release more superb albums!
KRAYKULLA-WEBZINE 