Game Over by Final Stage: A Power-Packed Heavy Metal Journey
Alright, let’s talk about Game Over, the 2010 debut album from Canadian rockers Final Stage. If you’re into heavy riffs, soaring vocals, and that classic power metal vibe, this one might just hit the spot for you. Released under their own steam (no label backing here!), it's a raw and unfiltered ride through themes of war, rebellion, and resilience. And while it ain’t perfect, there’s plenty to love if you’re a fan of bands like Iron Maiden or Helloween.
The album kicks off with “As The Empire Falls,” which immediately sets the tone—crushing guitars courtesy of Josh Kurkjian and Brandon Wright, thunderous drums by TJ Dowhaniuk, and Wright’s vocals that soar like an eagle on caffeine. This track is basically what would happen if someone handed a medieval knight an electric guitar and said, "Go nuts." It sticks in your head because it feels epic without trying too hard. You can almost picture yourself raising a sword in slow motion while listening to it. Cheesy? Maybe. Awesome? Absolutely.
Another standout is “Lady Of Pain.” This one leans more into the melodic side of power metal, with some killer harmonies and a chorus catchy enough to make you hum it while brushing your teeth. Tony Mills adds some killer backing vocals here, giving the song extra depth. What makes this track memorable isn’t just its hooks but also how it balances aggression with melody. By the time the solo kicks in, you’ll either be air-guitaring like a lunatic or wondering why your neighbors are staring at you again.
One thing worth noting is Glenn Fricker’s work behind the boards—he mixed, engineered, and mastered the whole shebang. The production has that gritty DIY charm, which suits the band’s energy perfectly. Sure, it could’ve been polished up a bit more, but honestly? That rough edge kinda works for them. It keeps things real.
Now, not every track hits the same high notes. Some songs feel a little repetitive after a few listens, and the basslines from Neil Tupiling don’t always get the spotlight they deserve. But hey, nitpicking aside, Game Over delivers exactly what it promises: a solid slab of heavy/power metal goodness straight outta Canada.
Here’s the kicker though—listening to this album made me realize something kinda funny. These guys poured their hearts into this record back in 2010, self-releasing it and all, and now over a decade later, people are still talking about it. In a world where music drops faster than pizza delivery times, that says a lot. So yeah, give Game Over a spin. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find yourself shouting "Rise Again!" at random moments throughout your day. Or maybe you'll end up Googling who Jeff Klingbeil is. Either way, it’s a win.
