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 IRON
SAVIOR -
Condition
Red (Noise Records)
Score: 3.5 out of 5 Battle-Axes (more about rating system) Like everyone else, I first became interested in Iron Savior because of Kai Hansen's (Gamma Ray) involvement. In fact, I thought it was his band when they released their self-titled debut in 1997. By the time their second album, Unification, rolled around in 1999, I realized that Kai's presence was merely to gain the band some attention. The driving force was actually vocalist/guitarist Piet Sielck, and with Kai's exit after 2001's Dark Assault, Sielck finally stepped out of Hansen's shadow. The truth is that Hansen had very little to do with Iron Savior's music, as Sielck and bassist Jan Eckert have done most of the writing. The great thing about Iron Savior is that they give their fans exactly what they want and expect. From album to album, there is very little alteration, so Condition Red carries on where Dark Assault left off. If you like up-tempo metal, chunky riffs (whadda guitar tone!), and a powerful, gritty vocalist, this is the band for you! Sielck has the knack for writing some excellent hooklines too, something a lot of power metal bands lack. After one listen, songs like "Protector," "No Heroes," and "Mindfeeder" will definitely rustle around in your head. And you can even bang your head and pump your fist to them! Some tracks aren't as instantly memorable ("Tales Of The Bold"), but they are certainly solid and won't turn you off to the band. Overall, if you like energetic, peppy metal with an equal dose of power and melody, Iron Savior is your band. Along with Gamma Ray, they are my easily my favorite in the power metal genre. (Chris Dugan) |