A few facts to start the review off 

1. Mike Flyntz  is the guitarist in Riot who is not Mark Reale.

2. Tony Moore was the vocalist on two Riot albums, namely Thundersteel and Privilege of Power

3. Bassist  Danny Miranda is currently the touring bassist with Queen and Paul Rodgers.

4. Drummer John Miceli has played with Meatloaf

5. Accelerator is a cracking album. 

What started life as a proposed solo album by current Riot Guitarist Mike Flyntz  has grown somewhat in the three years it took to record and evolved into the band we have now. This time has not been wasted as Faith & Fire have produced an excellent collection of hard rocking tunes mixed with some excellent ballads, to quote Flytnz. "it’s heavy guitars, solos, and melodic vocals". Couldn't have put it better myself. 

Opener 'Ready' shows that Flytnz is now slouch in the riff writing stakes and, coupled with some clever lyrics that take a dig at the George W, the album kicks off in fine style.  Also on the heavy side are the likes of Fallen, which sounds like it could have been written for Riot but is certainly a riff heavy monster.  Couple these two with album closer 'America', which is a mad heavy metal dash and you have the heavier side of Faith & Fire.

But these are no one trick ponies.... 'Breathe' and 'Angel' are both exquisite ballads, the former reminiscent in places of Joe Satriani's 'Always With Me, Always With You', whilst the later, although acoustic based, is no less compellling. Alo on the agenda of 'Accelerator' is a nod in a more progressive direction. 'Avenue Z' is built around a clever riff and interesting time changes with a very Bruce Dickenson style vocals and the title track itself most definitely has prog leanings.

And then there's Ashes, a totally stunning track that builds from simple beings to an almost Yngwie Malmsteen feel towards the end, with thought provoking and compelling lyrics courtesy of Moore that deal with the events and aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.

Overall Accelerator proves to be a varied roller coaster of a ride that shows that Flyntz  has been hiding hiss light under a bushel when it comes to delivering those mighty riffs. Cpupled with Moore's powerful voice and the unique writing style of Miranda you get an album that sounds both fresh and interesting which, whilst good on first listen, reveals more and more of itself on repeated plays. Easily as good as Riot's recent 'Army Of One' opus and a labour of lover for the quartet that has paid of in spades.

Let us know your views on 'Accelerator'

Track List

Ready
Villanelle
Everything
Radio Superstar
Breathe
Faith And Fire
Fallen
Ashes
Avenue Z
Accelerator
Angel
America

Line Up

Mike Flyntz - Guitar
Tony Moore - Vocals
Danny Miranda - Bass
John Miceli - Drums