IRON ECHO – Forged In Fire

Hailing from the metal heartlands of Heilbronn, Germany, Iron Echo may be a fresh face on the scene, but its lineup reads like a who’s who of the underground European heavy metal circuit. Formed in August 2022, the band is built on the hardened steel of experience. Frontman Johnny Vox brings decades of firepower from acts like X-Ray, Doctor Speed, Syrence, and Fireforce. Alongside him are guitarists Timo (Spitefuel, Zardoz) and ZotteL (Yeahrock), bassist Lois (Elwing), and drummer BJ, also formerly of Spitefuel.

With deep roots in traditional heavy and power metal, Iron Echo have spent their early years sharpening their blades. After circulating their debut album Forged In Fire at live gigs in late 2024, the band now launches their studio debut to the world on June 27th, 2025, distributed globally through SPV. It’s an explosive entrance – loud, proud, and undeniably forged in fire.

Classic Metal, Modern Muscle

Forged In Fire is exactly what it sounds like — an album born from flame and hammer. The nine-track debut is a no-frills, full-throttle dive into traditional heavy metal with power metal undertones. Iron Echo pays homage to titans like Judas Priest, Helloween, Primal Fear, and Accept, but there’s more here than just throwback energy. While many of the hooks and chord progressions fall squarely into familiar territory, the execution and passion behind them elevate the album beyond simple nostalgia. After catching the ears at Metalapolis Records, the band struck a deal that led to wider distribution. Now with SPV backing the release, Forged In Fire is set to reach the larger stage it clearly deserves.

Steel Meets Precision

Produced by Achim Köhler (Primal Fear, Amon Amarth), the album sounds crisp and heavy. BJ’s drumming is sharp and precise, guitars are powerful and melodic, and Johnny Vox delivers strong, layered vocals. While the songwriting can be a bit by-the-numbers, the performance and production elevate the material. Tracks like “Death Dealer,” “Streets On Fire,” and “Seven Sins” show the band’s knack for balancing melodic tension with raw heaviness, even if the lyrical themes play it safe. This is an album made by metalheads for metalheads — and it wears that proudly.

Final Notes

Iron Echo’s Forged In Fire isn’t here to reinvent heavy metal — and that’s not a criticism. It’s a rock-solid debut that showcases a band already operating like seasoned veterans. With professional production, strong performances, and a clear understanding of the genre’s legacy, this album stands shoulder-to-shoulder with releases from much more established acts.

Yes, some of the songwriting veers into the predictable, and you won’t find much genre experimentation here. But if you crave anthemic choruses, burning solos, and old-school fury, Iron Echo delivers in full. Recommended for fans of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Primal Fear, Accept, and early Helloween.

Lineup

• Johnny Vox – Vocals
• Timo – Guitar
• ZotteL – Guitar
• Lois – Bass
• BJ – Drums

Forged In Fire – Tracklist

1. The Blacksmith
2. Ready To Rumble
3. Death Dealer
4. Last Man Standing
5. Sinner
6. Streets
7. On Fire
8. The Awakening
9. Downfall
10. Seven Sins

Check out the video for “Last Man Standing” by Iron Echo off of their new album: Forged in Fire