Review: Circus of Rock – Hellfire

Lions Pride Music (June 30^th, 2025)

Reviewer – Jason Hopper

Circus of Rock is the brainchild of Finnish hard rock/heavy metal drummer Mirka “Leka” Rantanen. What was initially treated as a project with multiple vocalists has now transitioned into a full-time band, with their third release ‘Hellfire‘. Mirka is looking to take this band out on the road and based off the songs on this album alone, he’s not going to have a hard time finding an audience with these songs.

First things first. Mirka hired singer Mark Boals, who worked with Mirka previously on Circus of Rock’s last album, ‘Lost Behind the Mask‘. After over forty years in the industry, Mr. Boals sounds as fantastic as he did all those years ago. He brings a passion to these tracks that is undeniable.  His vocals and these terrific melodies are a winning combination.

The album takes off with a shot. ‘The Great Evil’ is a high energy stomper that showcases how well guitarist Samuli Federley and keyboardist Jari Pailamo don’t step on each other’s toes and fill out the song with riffs and keys that compliment each other. The type of opening track you would want to hear from an album like this.

The title track first single is next and it’s a blast! The band is firing on all cylinders here with a solid, driving beat that gives JJ H Jelt on bass and Mirka on drums time to shine in how they hold down the rhythm, especially in the verses. It affords Samuli and Jari the ability to noodle around over the rhythm and create some great ear candy.

In an unusual circumstance, at least for me, some of the best tracks are found in the middle of the album. Starting with ‘Die Another Day’, the album elevates to another level. It’s a powerful, meaty track that once again showcases the individual talents of each band member and their ability to highlight their contribution. Mark Boals lets off some screams here that are reminiscent of his days with Yngwie.

‘Lead Tears’ follows and this is the track I returned to the most. The opening melody line of the keys holding a consistent chord while the guitar plays a choppy, muted riff grabbed me instantly. Mark’s vocal approach in the chorus is powerful yet controlled in a way that is incredibly impressive and sticks with you long after the song has ceased. With everything happening in the world today, it’s subject of war and all its destruction resonated more than any other topic.

‘Back for Good’ completes an awesome trifecta. A mid-tempo rocker with a hell of a chorus, featuring a key change and melody line from Jari that elevates the entire track. Not to diminish the other artists here, but he steals the show with his playing here, which is no small feat considering the fantastic solo showcased by Samuli.

While Mark Boals is the known name here, the real stars of the album are guitarist Samuli Federley and keyboardist Jari Pailamo. To be fair, there is another guitarist featured here (Vesa Virtanen) and while he does not play lead, his contributions should not be downplayed. This is a terrific slide of Euro-style hard rock, in a similar vein to bands like Ten, Magnum, and Gathering of Kings. If you dig any or all of those bands, then this is a must have album to buy, stream, or hell…do both.  This is a band worth your time and money.

Tracklist:

1. The Great Evil
2. Hellfire
3. On the Lips of Fate
4. Broken Pieces
5. Heat of the Moment
6. Die Another Day
7. Lead Tears
8. Back for Good
9. Kill the Lights
10. All or Nothing
11. Tough Pill to Swallow

Line-up:

Mark Boals: Vocals, Backing Vocals
Mirka “Leka” Rantanen: Drums
Samuli Federley: Lead Guitars, Backing Vocals
Vesa Virtanen: Guitars, Backing Vocals
Jari Pailamo: Keyboards
JJ H Jelt: Bass, Backing Vocals

Web Links:

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