Iron Fire - Thunderstorm

Everything about this cd screams 'power metal', the cover, the title, the band name, you dont even have to hear the music to know what you are in for. Iron Fire is a young band from Denmark, not only in the amount of time they have been together, but also in the band members ages. Like Sonata Arctica, they are a group of young'ins who's musicianship is spectacular especially with all things considered. This is yet another outfit that plays traditional metal, so expect extreme similarities between Iron Fire and Hammerfall, Helloween, Gamma Ray and Running Wild. Putting them above the (admitedly low) bar of other power upstarts such as Secret Sphere and even Noise Record's 'pet of the month' Heavenly, is the dead on production courtesy of Tommy Hansen who has in the past produced Helloween. He knows what he's doing and gets the best out of all involved. Vocalist Martin Steene is your typical power vocalist but I detect a good bit of Chris Bay from Freedom Call, a little splash of David DeFeis at times, and hints of Edguy's Tobias Sammett, but a tad querkier. He has a great voice for this kind of music and takes command right from the start. There is no doubt that he's the bandleader, and has also written the majority of the music on the album. Rest of the musicians do their job and do it well, from the solid (and thankfully not annoying) rhythm section of Gunnar Olsen on drums and Jakob Lykkebo on bass, to the two axeslingers, both who's first names are 'Kristian', Martisen and Iversen.

The songs are also typical, usually fast paced, with chugging Running Wild-ish riffs and the belting of Manowar/Hammerfall'ish lyrics, loudly and proudly, touching upon battles that bring the fighters freedom, the glory of the kings and of course rainbows . Speaking of those multicolored arcs of light, "Rise of the Rainbow" is the cream of the blistering crop, with some unusual instrumental passages during the break in the middle. A straightforward, heavy handed rocker throughout. "The Battle of Freedom" reminds me alot of Crystal Eyes, except Iron Fire presents this with a little more 'fire' and tons of interesting riffs to spice up what would could have easily been another 'me-too' song. Fans of this type of music will delight in some of the twists they throw in, and the slight David DeFeis touch to Steene's voice, and even in the music. "Glory to the King" is strong in the realms of Hammerfall, a thundering, headbanging metal hymn if I've ever heard one. They state right at the front that its a 'tale from the Magic Kingdom' and who am I to argue? The title track, which is well suited to its name, tackles the Dungeons and Dragons theme well, with samples of thunder injecting a much needed lightning bolt, striking clean throughout the song. Lyrics and music form a perfect marriage, binding together as one to create the imagery and feeling of riding into a battle only to come out bathed in the light of glory, and slaying dragons while riding upon a shadow black steed. Being an admitted sucker for ballads, "Angel of Light" pleases despite its horrid take off. Harmonica is just not my thing, and the squawking beginning is maddening, but they put that instrument away and settle into an addictive easy going melody, which steps up to a delicious sing-along chorus. Yes, the song does get repetitive, but you'll be too busy belting along the lyrics with Steene to care. I absolutely swear I have heard this song before, its a close match to a pop song from years gone by but which, I have not been able to figure out thus far, but also it seems alot like a Virgin Steele tune as well.

Iron Fire's "Thunderstorm" rehashes all the material we have heard before, only repackaging it and finishing it off with a different outer gloss. However, they paid attention to two points where other bands have failed that also go hand in hand, the drums and the production. As with many underproduced power bands, the drum end up being the sacrifice for not having the dollar to back up the recording. But the drumming is done nicely here, and doesn't annoy in the slightest, which is a tremendous accomplishment. Lyrically, its nothing particularly special, they get the job done, and I have heard much worse (Zonata or Drakkar perhaps?) Delivered with style, class and tons of little extras thrown in for good measure (although lacking some originality), those who are looking for a good dose of power kissed speed metal, will find Iron Fire's impressive debut, "Thunderstorm", a great addition to their collection.

Rating - 7.7
By Alanna Evans
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