As I was listening to the first track off of Germany's well established power metal band Iron Savior, I went straight to the web site. I had to see what was behind the music. I found that they have an interesting story about their name. You will have to read for yourself. I feel educated and encourage you visit the site and feel like I do.
And now for what you're here for...
The first little ditty "Ascendance" is a keyboard intro that floats you through space all nice and easy (yeah, it fooled me too). Enter the "Last Hero" with his strong vibe. I especially like the drummer's ride action in the solo section. He breaks up the straight 4 a bit with some tasty hits on the bell part of the cymbal. "Revenge of the Bride", "From far beyond Time" and "Burning Heart" are relentless; thick tones, heavy grooves, a couple of break downs and fierce in execution.
The group starts off the next track with a machine gun attack! "Thunder from the Mountains" is what a power ballad should sound like. It's totally anti-Nothing else matters! "Iron Warrior" and "Dragon King" are mythical tales. The European bands are great story tellers. These songs really paint a picture. The next number slows it down some. "Dance with Somebody" grabs you and moves you to want to take a partner and dance the night away. All this and still maintains some heaviness.
Turn up the volume for "Firestorm". Its fast, it's furious, it's a driving force. A splash of cold water refreshes you for "The Demon" - then the heaviness takes over. "Fistraiser" and (bonus track) "I've been to Hell" end this record of revenge. All 13 tracks are a pleasure to listen to. Strong vocals, ferocious drum patterns, killer dual leads and the bass is up in the mix!
Heroic in sound, vibe and lyric, but the energy they display is intense in its velocity and we are the crash test dummy. I went back to hear earlier releases and they deliver the same intensity. Not only is it power metal, it's progressive enough to stand with the likes of Dream Theater, Fates Warning and Savatage.
Personally I have no downside to report other than the record is too short.
But don't take my word for it, check 'em out for yourself. I give Iron Savior "Rise of the Hero" an heroic ELEVEN! Get educated at iron-savior.com
Tim Duran, HMS
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