heavy-metal-darkness: Fili Bibiano’s Fortress |Death Is Your Master |High Roller Records

Friday, February 6, 2026

Fili Bibiano’s Fortress |Death Is Your Master |High Roller Records

Release Date: 30.01.2026
Format: CD/LP/Digital
Genre: Heavy Metal
Country: United States

Fili Bibiano's Fortress started out as just Fortress in Whittier, California back in 2016. After dropping an EP and their debut full-length "Don’t Spare The Wicked" in 2021 on High Roller Records, they realized way too many bands used that name. They switched the moniker to Fili Bibiano's Fortress to point towards the founding member, who also plays in Intranced. "Death Is Your Master" serves as the second album for the group. The lineup features Fili Bibiano handling guitars, bass, and synth, alongside drummer Joey Mancaruso and new vocalist Juan Aguila. Former singer Chris Nunez appears on the track "Blackest Night". The album was produced by Bibiano himself, with recording split between his Black Light Studio and Brothers Marc Studio in Gardena.

This album is absolutely all about the six-string sorcery. Fili Bibiano isn't hiding behind simple power chords here. The man is shredding everywhere. He brings that neo-classical style that instantly makes you think of the guitar gods from the mid-80s. Some people might complain it is too much showing off, but he plays with actual fire. It is aggressive and technical without sounding robotic. The riffs are fast, and the solos absolutely rip. It is refreshing to hear a guy who wants to bring that specific shred style back to the front of the mix and make the guitar the boss again.

Juan Aguila steps in on vocals and he fits right in with the chaos. He has the pipes to keep up with the frantic energy of the music. It was a cool move to keep the track with original singer Chris Nunez to show some history, but Aguila owns the rest of the material. The production works well too. Since Bibiano handled it himself, the guitar tone is obviously the priority, but the drums still punch through the wall of sound. It sounds like a heavy metal album should sound, loud and aggressive without being too fake or plastic.

The runtime sits at around 34 minutes, which is exactly right for this kind of assault. It smacks you in the face and finishes before you get bored. There is zero filler here. The songwriting focuses on keeping the energy high and the headbanging constant. Bibiano says he plays what comes to mind, and that organic approach comes through. It is not calculated or over-produced math metal. It is just straight-up heavy metal played by guys who clearly worship the instrument and want to play fast.

If you dig heavy metal with a massive focus on lead guitar work, this is for you. It is a strong release that has a clear identity. It is not trying to be the heaviest thing on earth or the most progressive. It is just a cool, rocking album with some serious musical talent behind it. It is a very solid listen for anyone who misses the days when the guitar solo was the main event.

Score: 8.0