IRON SAVIOR – Kill Or Get Killed

Hamburg’s Iron Savior is the long running project of guitarist/vocalist/producer Piet Sielck. They self-describe as Teutonic Power Metal, a classic and infectious Heavy Metal sound. Their 10^th studio album imparts a grim tone compared to earlier works. The Star of Pandora, a sci-fi novel about the destruction of humanity by an alien civilization, is its inspiration.

The aggressive title track confidently forgoes any desultory instrumental intro. The intensity is high both lyrically and musically but discordant guitar flourishes sprinkled throughout dampen any momentum. Follow on “Roaring Thunder” makes a course correction and delivers Iron Savior’s signature raw Power Metal riffs and fist-raising lyrics infused with an intoxicating Judas Priest-like bridge. Rather than let off the gas, “Eternal Quest” and “From Dust And Ruble” plunge forward with alternating frantic guitar passages and inspirational vocals.

“Stand Up And Fight” is fully weaponized with lyric and riff hooks galore. The band chose this track for a cheeky take on James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke. It’s a candid peek at the band members having the same kind of fun you’ll enjoy while cranking this song during your commute. If this video doesn’t make you smile, you truly have a metal heart.

Backing vocals are used with good effect throughout the album, but none as good as on “Never Stop Believing.” The effect is pure Pop and it pushes the song close to an AOR stadium anthem. It contrasts well from the hard-edged Power Metal tracks. “Until We Meet Again” dials back the tempo but creates an ominous heaviness with the help of keyboard effects akin to JP’s “Turbo Lover”.

Kill Or Get Killed is loaded with cliché song titles, lyrics, and riffs but it’s well-produced, well-written, and powerfully executed. The band states “…we got a kick out of doing the recordings and took care a lot.” You’ll get a kick out of this album too. It’s one of the best Power Metal albums of 2019.

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TRACKLIST (Highlights: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 )

1. Kill Or Get Killed
2. Roaring Thunder
3. Eternal Quest
4. From Dust And Rubble
5. Sinner Or Saint
6. Stand Up And Fight
7. Heroes Ascending
8. Never Stop Believing
9. Until We Meet Again
10. Legends Of Glory

LINEUP

Piet Sielck (vocals, guitars)
Joachim “Piesel” Küstner (guitars)
Jan S. Eckert (bass)
Patrick Klose (drums)