Guitarist/songwriter BILL STEER is probably best known as the former axe-slinger for grindcore/death metal pioneers NAPALM DEATH and CARCASS. And that’s a shame, since he left the extreme metal world a decade ago to focus on FIREBIRD. Grand Union, the power trio’s fifth album, continues in the vein Steer so obviously loves: bluesy classic rock, no muss, no fuss and straight from the 70s. Admittedly, there’s nothing new going on here, but Steer is an excellent guitarist, a fine singer and a strong songwriter, and tunes like “Silent Stranger,” “Jack the Lad” and “Gold Label” keep the riffs flowing. Sitting somewhere between CREAM, ROBIN TROWER and FOGHAT, but with more restraint and taste, Firebird’s work is a reminder that the simple pleasures of loud guitars and blues-derived melodies can still ring true.
http://www.myspace.com/firebirdblues
http://www.riseaboverecords.com
http://www.metalblade.com
