After 27 years and now on their 17th album, Iron Savior is one of those metal bands that everyone knows or should know. Started by Pat Sielck and other ex-Helloween members, Iron Savior has more than made their mark on the world of power metal and metal in general, releasing consistently great material. As one might expect, some members have changed over the years but Pat Sielck has always brought in top talent to keep the metal flame alive with album after album filled with a combination of the NWOBHM and other influences characterized by strong vocals, epic choruses, blazing guitars, and a rhythm section second to none. At this point it’s hard to believe that it’s been three years since the release of Skycrest, the last album of all original material. During this gap, however, Iron Savior, was not completely on break, releasing a remixed and remastered version of The Landing, originally recorded in 2011 and re-recording a couple hours worth of older tracks in Reforged – Ironbound, which also has a cover of “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” which has close to 400,000 plays on Spotify as of this review. For Firestar, production was handled at Powerhouse Studio in Hamburg where some of the choir efforts added in were inspired by Sielck’s daughter and her boyfriend adding a bit of a family element to the album. Earlier in 2023, Sielck was diagnosed with cancer and recently completed a course of chemo and surgery which has been labeled a great success, so while touring and shows were put on hold this year, the future looks very bright for more metal from Iron Savior.
After reviewing a number of Iron Savior albums in the past, seeing a new one show up in my queue is always a welcome sight. I know immediately, that I’ll be hearing some great power metal, top production, and outstanding musicianship. If I took out the song titles on older reviews, I could just republish one of those as Iron Savior have an amazing consistency to their music. Firestar is no different, but there are some notable elements in this album that stand out.
First, I do like the intro instrumental that provides an epic opening feel to the album. The layered guitars and symphonic like elements work well as an introduction and starting point to the album and the blistering fast riff for the second track “Curse of the Machinery” is a great contrast. The rhythm section of Jan Sören Eckert on bass and Patrick Klose on drums really stand out in this track with its pace and changes. Of course with power metal we expect guitar solos and the Sielck and Joachim “Piesel” Küstner deliver as one would expect, even throwing in some harmonized solo parts.
As happens on many Iron Savior albums, there is a metal dedicated to heavy metal and that comes relatively early as track number three with “In the Realm of Heavy Metal” which speaks to the incredible community in the metal world. As an anthem, this song works and has all the elements one would want from multiple guitar solos to a section with expertly placed backing vocals where everyone can imagine can singing along with in concert.
“Demise of the Tyrant” changes things up a bit from a stylistic point, with Sielck’s vocals delivered with a fast march-like cadence backed by the solid rhythm section as guitar chords ring out. Behind it all is a darker, heavy fast riff setting an ominous tone. Solid backing vocals again and careful use of keyboards only serve to add to the song. Right after the slower ending of the song, the band finds another gear and takes off at breakneck speed in the album title track “Firestar”. Clocking in at 176bpm, the song is purported to be one of the fastest in the Iron Savior catalog giving a sure workout to Eckert and Klose.
Later in the album, “Across the Wastelands” slows things down compared to many of the earlier tracks and from an overall structure standpoint, sounds like an updated version of some late 80’s and early 90’s metal some of which is comes through in the opening riff from “Rising from Ashes” as well, where I can almost hear some Eddie Van Halen and George Lynch in parts. The backing vocals really stand out in this track as well and are a testament to how they can transform a song ranging from bright and choir-like to powerful and forceful depending on the part of the song.
As difficult as it must be, Iron Savior have managed to outdo themselves on Firestar. I fully knew what to expect going into this review and that was to be prepared for a top quality power metal album from an band that consistently released great material. Those lofty expectations are tough to live up to but Iron Savior have exceeded them. Firestar has everything that is great about power metal and the quality of the production and songcraft coupled with the exceptional musicianship set a new standard.
Rating: 10/10
Written by John Jackson
Tracklisting:
- The Titan
- Curse of the Machinery
- In the Realm of Heavy Metal
- Demise of the Tyrant
- Firestar
- Through the Fires of Hell
- Mask, Cloak and Sword
- Across the Wastelands
- Rising from the Ashes
- Nothing is Forever
- Together as One
Band Members
Jan Sören Eckert : Bass guitar
Patrick Klose: Drums
Joachim “Piesel” Küstner: Guitar
Piet Sielck: Guitar&Vocals
Release Date: October 6th. 2023
Record Label: AFM Records
Discography:
1997: Iron Savior (EP)
1998: Coming Home (Single)
1999: Unification
1999: Interlude (EP)
2000: I’ve Been to Hell (Single)
2001: Dark Assault
2002: Condition Red
2004: Battering Ram
2007: Megatropolis
2011: The Landing
2014: Rise of the Hero [review]
2015: Live at the Final Frontier” [review]
2016: Titancraft [review]
2019: Kill or Get Killed [review]
2020: Skycrest [review]
2022: Reforged – Ironbound
Weblinks: Website / Facebook / Spotify
Video for “Together As One”
Video for “Firestar”
Video for “In the Realm of Heavy Metal”
Video for “Curse of the Machinery”