Album Review: Battle Beast – Steelbound

2025 hasn’t been an easy year for the metal world, following the heartbreaking losses of Ozzy Osbourne, Ace Frehley, Tomas “Tompa” Lindberg, and Brent Hinds, to name a few. Moments like these remind us why we turn to music in the first place: to feel, to remember, and stay connected when things fall apart. While those we’ve lost have left behind legacies, new music revolves, reminding us that the spirit of heavy music never dies. One of those is the latest Battle Beast album, Steelbound, featuring ten tracks clocking in just under forty minutes, delivering an overall enjoyable experience.

It’s the power medleys and heavy anthems that we love from these Finnish metal giants, who have evolved over the years without losing their signature charm. While they’ve dabbled in creative exploration with 2019’s No More Hollywood Endings and returned to form on 2022’s Circus of Doom, Battle Beast now embraces a heavier, 80s-inspired sound with Steelbound. It’s energetic, bold, and the boost metal fans could use right now. The record marks a new chapter for Battle Beast. While conceptually described as a battle cry for anyone who has ever been dismissed, diminished, or silenced, it takes on a new level of strength and integrity by confronting these harsh truths. It offers a spin on positivity and helps overcome your worst fears surrounding personal turmoil.

“The Burning Within” opens the album with mystery before cutting into a sharp riff that bursts into a heavy, headbang-worthy hook. It’s catchy and fun, with added 80s-style synths. Vocalist Noora Louhimo’s commanding voice glides in with confidence, turning this into an energetic arrangement, setting the tone for what’s ahead. “Here We Are” continues the momentum with more retro electronics and resilient vocals, keeping that clean yet powerful delivery. Then comes “Steelbound,” the title track and arguably the album’s strongest song, filled with pure adrenaline, made to dance, mosh, or just let go of everything weighing you down.

“Twilight Cabaret” slows things down slightly but remains heavy, keeping the 80s vibe alive. “Last Goodbye,” one of their earlier singles, stands as one of the album’s heaviest and most memorable tracks, charged with emotion, angry yet uplifting, and ready to explode onstage.. “The Long Road” then shifts gears with an instrumental interlude that feels cinematic, almost like the prelude to battle, reminiscent of Sabaton before the next heavy hitters arrive.

“Blood of Heroes” follows seamlessly, roaring with a battle-ready intensity. Noora returns in full force, paying tribute to fallen heroes with a fierce vocal delivery. “Angel of Midnight” brings a bombastic, semi-ballad tone, serving as a melodic arc into the album’s closing stretch. “Riders of the Storm” bursts with live energy, chant-heavy, folky, and ready-made for a live crowd. Finally, “Watch the Sky Fall” wraps things up with the same 80s-inspired heaviness that runs through the album, complete with a standout guitar solo. It’s a fitting finale, closing Steelbound on a high note while giving listeners one last chance to revel in Battle Beast’s signature blend, mixed with simply having fun.

Overall, Steelbound doesn’t rely on nostalgia or repetition. Battle Beast have clearly challenged themselves while amplifying the sound fans have long adored, mixed with varying new styles hidden within. It’s a strong record from these Finnish heavy metal giants; don’t pass up on it.

The new Battle Beast album, Steelbound, released on October 17, 2025 via Nuclear Blast Records. Order the record at this location.