Biography; This is 100% Heavy Metal from the outback town of Broken Hill NSW, Australia. Infuenced by bands such as Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Arch Enemy, Blind Guardian, Judas Priest and many more. The band is continuously evolving with their original music, utilising top line equipment and a great stage presence. They have entertained numerous crowds including over 4000 at touring international Motorcross show "Mega Madness". Soulforge won the local battle of the bands late in 2007, shortly after a great response from the back room demo they posted on myspace, prompting then Fourteen year old James Barlow to pen some killer Guitar tracks with Tomo, Dale and Dews. They then re-united with original "jamming" Drummer Bilyara to refine their sound. The result is a polished production recorded at Against The Grain Studio, Mastered by none other than Jens Bogren of In Flames and Amon Amarth fame. The now "touring age" James, and the band will see you On The Road! The band; Dale Corney; Vocals. Former guitarist and backing vocalist for Australian metal band Dungeon. Now tearing up the stage with his energetic Classic Metal frontman style. Influenced by Dio, Iron Maiden, Blind Guardian Judas Priest and more. Aaron Dewsbery; If the earth is shaking chances are its "Dews" thrumming out some powerful bass lines. Former bassist for metal band Fury aka "The Harrowed" he holds all the guitars in check. Billyara Bates: Be prepared for the brutal onslaught of thumping double kicks and crazy arse tom rolls. Drummer from Hell!, ( Adelaide SA) James Barlow; Plays with a feel and precision that belies his youth. The heavy riffing and intense solos lead us to believe the sky is the limit. Tomo Jovanovic; Founder and visionary, always driving and moving the band toward new goals. Tom combines with Jimmy to complete the dual guitar assault. RAMPAGING REVIEW SOULFORGE: FIELDS OF DECAY Favoured Three: “Abreaction” “Fields of Decay” “Live Forever (300)” Despite the cool night’s chill, I’m rightly warmed up to the album of one of Broken Hill’s oldest and most memorable bands. I’m talking about Soulforge! Remember them? Their anticipated creation is finally upon us. Once I’ve had a sit down to listen to their album in solitude I haven’t been able to stop. Everything else that I regularly listen to has taken the backseat and “Fields of Decay” is riding shotgun. The opening track “Conflict” initiates the first song “Dark Tower” where the ride truly begins. Onwards from here, you feel as though you’re listening to something that a lot of hard work has gone into, and you’d be right to believe that. The band has spent eighteen months working on this album to get it absolutely perfect. A lot of time, money and effort tactfully invested into this product indeed. As we progress, you also get a concept of structure. The songs following each other as one ends and another begins, like chapters in a book. Unlike most bands that fill their albums with fourteen songs that have you feeling mentally bloated by the end, Fields of Decay is a balanced meal: not too many, not too few but just the right number of songs to satisfy you. You will be wanting seconds, however! The album kicks into a fast pace with the rebellious “My Game”, “Crimson Fire” and “Abreaction”, gripping you by the scruff and demanding you to relentlessly thrash around the room, fist-pumping the air during a powerful chorus. Approaching half way, the pacing slows down. From the speeding sound to a warmer progression, the devastating title song “Fields of Decay” and the soft warrior hymn “Live Forever (300)” will have you sitting calmly like a patient child listening to the tales of a time-weathered old man. And then you’re tossed back into the fray with the concluding heavy weights “10,000 Years” and “Viking March (“Halls of Valhalla)”. The musicianship displayed is unlike many, many others. The lead and rhythm guitars led by James and Tom respectively, both weave in and out from each other like war planes, one supporting the other during the amazing riffs and solos that are bountiful, an example being the instrumental “Eye of the Storm” which you’d easily mistake for an Arch Enemy ballad. Aaron leading on bass makes himself heavily known alongside the drumming prowess of Bilyara that is massive in sound and exciting to hear, both players refusing to allow their music to grow stale and remain freshly addictive. The vocals deployed are as impressive as the other participants. Pitching variations, intelligent lyrics, multiple harmonies, expert delivery and emotion… I found myself singing along with Dale blissfully, completely swept up in the moment. As a musician, I can truly say that Fields of Decay is not only the accomplishment of Soulforge, but also a triumph for music in remote communities. Review by Tom 'Rampage' Smith