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IRON SAVIOR
Firestar
2023 AFM Records

To say IRON SAVIOR is on a roll is basically an understatement. At this point, I'm asking myself, is there any artist in any genre that has the high quality catalog of releases that this band has? Is there another artist as consistent? The answer is no. I've reviewed the last six IRON SAVIOR releases, and while the consistency is to be applauded, I can't believe that this band actually keeps getting better with each release. Firestar (15th studio album) is arguably the band's best album, or at least in their top three. Bandleader, singer and guitarist Piet Sielck's space mission continues, and he - along with Joacim, Jan and Patrick - once again bring their world-class power metal to the masses.

I love that IRON SAVIOR still does intro tracks. "The Titan" is a perfect mix of power chords, orchestration, and a nearly QUEEN-like polish. The first proper track, the tour de force that is "Curse of The Machinery", is what I would play for someone who has never heard IRON SAVIOR before. The song encapsulates what this band is all about: breakneck tempos and inspired lead guitar riffs, passionate lead and backing vocals, a huge chorus ... and then there's that breakdown after the solo! The next song is "In The Realm of Heavy Metal", which is the heavy metal anthem of the year as far as I'm concerned; this is a true metal masterpiece. (View the video on KNAC.COM HERE). The mid-tempo "Demise of The Tyrant" plows ahead headstrong and offers a really catchy refrain. Title track, "Firestar", is glorious melodic speed metal (176 bpm) that demonstrates the band's precision attack. "Through The Fires of Hell" became a favorite for me during the course of digesting this album, mainly due to the infectious bridge and chorus. It's hard to get that out of my head. "Mask, Cloak And Sword" is another classic speed metal anthem. The band wears its JUDAS PRIEST influence on its sleeve on "Across The Wastelands", which also references Stephen King's Dark Tower series. "Rising From Ashes" and "Nothing Is Forever" both pulse with energy and feature huge choruses. Album closer "Together As One" gets pretty bombastic and symphonic and is an inspiring song to finalize the album.

Firestar features 11 songs clocking in around 51 minutes. Overall, the album bears a pop influence, maybe a little more than past albums. This is not a bad thing. You'll hear song structures that reference commercial hard rock and pop, and a few backing keyboards, but the band is heavy metal through and through. Truly, Firestar is a fun listen from beginning to end. Fans will be pleased with this album. It will be released on October 6th by AFM Records.

5.0 Out Of 5.0