IRON FIRE — Blade Of Triumph

IRON FIRE

Blade Of Triumph (2007)

Label: Napalm Records / Irond Ltd
★★★★ 8/10
By Aldio

The previous album from Danish metallers IRON FIRE, titled "Revenge," hooked me with its sincerity and drive, so listening to the new opus was anticipated with a dose of hope. Well, the guys didn't disappoint. Before us is the same pompous heavy power metal with nods to Manowar and a touch of Teutonic "tan." The drive is right where it should be, vocalist Martin Steene hasn't gone anywhere, and his voice is as good as ever. The material on the disc is consistent and reasonably hit-laden. The speed of the songs varies — there are no classic anthems here; changing the rhythm on practically every composition is the order of the day: what starts as a hurricane can easily transform mid-song into a semi-ballad breeze. Among the album's highlights, I'd point out "Bridges Will Burn," the slow-burner "Legend of the Magic Sword," and the magnificent title epic "Blade of Triumph." In short, if power metal pomp doesn't put you off in itself and you're not seeking masterful originality on every album, then the Danes can very well brighten your evening with their sincere songs. I liked it.