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 IRON SAVIOR Skycrest By Alex Yarborough, Orlando Contributor Wednesday, November 25, 2020 @ 7:00 AM
IRON SAVIOR are currently like every other band, not able to perform live for their fans. They have no doubt been affected by the ongoing pandemic; Piet reported depression in the song crafting process, and Jan thankfully survived his bout with Covid. Yet the band remains upbeat, and did not allow apathy or melancholy to permeate these songs. This is still the same IRON SAVIOR you’ve come to know and love. Lately, I have been listening to the IRON SAVIOR back catalog in anticipation of this release, and I can report that Skycrest integrates well with the band’s more recent material. In fact, Piet says Skycrest is one of the band’s three best albums.
Skycrest features a brief intro, the exultant “The Guardian”, which sets up the blast of chugging riffs in the title track, “Skycrest”, a song about the spacecraft of the same name. This is an exceptional opening track. “Our Time Has Come” is a speed metal assault about war and the death of the human race. Patrick dominates on drums here, and the choir vocals are outstanding. The extended solo section is a highlight. “Hellbreaker” brings you a tale of a space assault, and brings us the stroke of genius that is “Souleater”, an instant IRON SAVIOR classic. You can view the video on KNAC.COM HERE. “Welcome To The New World” is a Brave New World-style vision of the future. “There Can Be Only One” is inspired by the film Highlander, and is another winner in my book.
Power metal is the name of the game, and IRON SAVIOR will always give you reliable, consistent upbeat power metal. Skycrest is composed of twelve songs and clocks in around 57 minutes. Piet’s production/mix are as usual, well done, accentuating the riffs and choruses. The classy cover artwork was once again provided by longtime collaborator Felipe Machado Franco. Skycrest will be released by AFM Records on December 4th.
5.0 Out Of 5.0
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Werewolf hunter tale (and longest track at 6:25) “Silver Bullet” puts Patrick through his paces on drums, and rips from beginning to end. I guess this track could be considered a centerpiece for the album. The breakdown and trade off solo sections are a treat. “Raise The Flag” is a JUDAS PRIEST-style anthem, and the only track I find to be a bit pedestrian. This is remedied by the following track, “End of The Rainbow”, which is possibly the most epic song on the album, and has one of the most infectious choruses that Piet and the gang have ever concocted. Joachim and Piet lay down some cool outro solos here as well. Jan contributes lead vocals to the ballad “Ease Your Pain”. The song comes across as dramatic, yet completely genuine. Uptempo tyranny fighting tale “Ode To The Brave” closes the album with aplomb, rocking from beginning to end.
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