Pathways (Album 2025)

The Burning Flags

Indie Alternative Punkrock

Once upon a time, not too long ago, a guy named Chris played at Damenspitz. Together with Niki (Dynamo Mühlschüttel) and promoted by Staygold („Schuhfabrik bleibt“ and more), this is just an example for his solo activities, as at Bricks in Salzburg Rock City. Hailing from Graz, he been on the road with likes of Straight Bourbon, Once Tasted Life or Sick Of Silence. Yet here comes his next manifest with band, out via Noise Appeal Records. 

For Chris Magerl and The Burning Flags, it started with a 7″ split EP with Hurricane Season (Sbäm Records) and the album „Sand Timer“. The title „Pathways“ of the successor reminds of „Trampled Pathways“ by Guadalajara. On the cover, a person lies tied with black and red audio cables. Probably a hint to the compelling music ahead, that definitely does not take any prisoners. 

Already in the opener „Rest Of Our Lives“, Chris Magerl yells that there is no time to loose. It is raw Punkrock, still with a Pop appeal like locals Here For A Reason, neighbors Bankrupt or SR-71. In the video by Julian Davis Films, the band is out on deconstruction with a plan like in „Home Alone“. Whereas in the clip for „A New King“, they perform a surgery, an idea similar to Greyshadow or Death Angel. 

Latest when the guitar comes out of the body like in „Alien“, the Foo Fighters come up as well as sound-like. Because The Strokes are not far like Sum 41 in this hymn. A third video was made for „Figures In A Diner“ at Scherbenkeller, a setting like for Yunger, and a continuous modern Alternative sound like Billy Talent. 

Strong lyrics are part of the recipe for success like in „Back To Life“ as a certain degree of heavyness. „Hyperthermia“ almost comes close to Kvelertak, before the two more anthems „Legacy“ and „Mistaken“. The Burning Flags then wave goodbye with „Thicker Skin“, another song topping off the spectrum of this trendy and wild Punkrock timeout – soon live at frei:raum St. Pölten.