IRONFLAME – Kingdom Torn Asunder
IRONFLAME – Kingdom Torn Asunder
High Roller Records
Release Date: 26/07/2024
Running Time: 49:12
Review by David Barreto
9.25/10
I grew up listening mostly to Power Metal. It is true the first sub-genre of Metal I got into was not Power since the first Metal band I listened to was Sepultura, but years later when I knew a bit more about Metal and what I liked and what not, I got into Power Metal. Yeah, as a teenager, who am I trying to deceive? Teenagers and Power Metal go together and whoever says otherwise, is lying.
So when I had the chance to review a new Power Metal band I jumped for it, maybe because I want to feel like a teenager again, maybe because I am rediscovering all that I left behind (regarding music) looking for novelty instead of focusing in having fun. Because Power Metal is about having fun, and that’s what makes it so awesome.
On the other hand when I realised that the band is from Ohio, USA, I was a bit shocked. There are not many Power Metal bands from the USA that I like because the style is very different from the EWPM, European Wave of Power Metal. Is that a thing? It should. It will be now on if it wasn’t.
Funny thing is, I press ‘play’ and what I hear is “European” Power Metal. Even funnier is that the first band I thought of was HammerFall and the leader of the band, Andrew D’Cagna, says it is not one of his influences even though he respects what HammerFall has done carrying the flag of Power Metal far and beyond for all these years.
Apparently his biggest influence could be Kiske-era-Helloween. Let’s keep listening to the record looking for those influences…
Andrew D’Cagna is the mastermind behind IRONFLAME, a multi-instrumentalist that records all tracks (vocals, bass, drums and rhythm guitars but not the guitar solos) and also writes the lyrics and music. IRONFLAME is his baby after all.
I am listening to this record and thinking “this sounds really good, not like a debut album from an unknown band” and then I check and I realise that I am the problem, since this is their fifth release. Their previous releases are “Lightning Strikes the Crown”, “Tales of Splendor and Sorrow”, “Blood Red Victory” and “Where Madness Dwells” but the record I am listening now, their last one, is “Kingdom Torn Asunder”.
About the style: this is Classic Power Metal. Galloping guitars, melodic voices, harmonized guitar lines, straightforward drumming and sure, you will find lyrics with the words ‘steel’, ‘dragon’, ‘kingdom’, ‘blood’ or ‘honor’. Can it be considered a Power Metal record if you don’t say something like ‘I will cut the head of the dragon with my mighty sword of steel’? OF COURSE NOT!
The LP has eight tracks plus two CD bonus tracks. Who cares why these two are not two more tracks but two CD bonus tracks: more tracks, more music, more enjoyment. No complains here.
I have to say that listening to this IRONFLAME record is transporting me back to when I was a teenager and listening to Blind Guardian or HammerFall was the best of my life and I think this is the magic the music has. Isn’t it beautiful? I have never heard this band before but I feel like I just got back in touch with an old friend that makes me feel comfortable so I can just relax and enjoy the afternoon.
The production is very good, everything is clear and can be clearly heard; the songs have a nice length, guitar tones are great, the drumming is very present in the mix but doesn’t disturb the listening of the rest of the instruments like many times happen and you can hear the bass! That’s a bonus. Also, Andrew’s voice is perfect for this sub-genre.
May favourite tracks of the LP are ‘Soul Survivors’, ‘Shadow of the Reaper’ and ‘Exile of the Sun’. ‘Soul Survivors’ is a fast song, with a powerful melody and a catchy chorus that will transport you to the frozen lakes of Finland. ‘Shadow of the Reaper’ is more aggressive with more guitar work and more galloping that will heighten you spirit in your quest to find the last key of the seven you need but then, in the guitar solo, you will realise that you must go across the sea to the England, maybe the key is in the hills, I don’t know, just run there and check.
‘Exile of the Sun’ is much more relaxed, can we call it a ballad? The bass intro is beautiful: lovely atmosphere it creates. It is a very different song but works so well as the last track of the record that you don’t want to stop. And if you still thought that Helloween is not his biggest influence, listen to this song again.
Oh, for fucks sake IRONFLAME, you did it. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart: thank you for this record.
The good: This is a classic Power Metal record. Period. All you want and all you expect from a Power Metal record is here. You will definitely not be disappointed.
The bad: None? Yes. Nothing.
The ugly: Myself! How couldn’t I know of this band before? Shame on me!
Let’s go check their previous releases! Oh, so much more to listen to… I am excited!
Hasta la vista, Ever-Metallers!
‘Shadow of the Reaper’ Official Video
TRACKLISTING:
01. Blood and Honor
02. Soul Survivors
03. Majesty of Steel
04. Mistress of Desire
05. Standing Tall
06. Sword of a Thousand Truths
07. Riding the Dragons
08. Shadow of the Reaper
09. Cold Flesh Falls (CD Bonus Track)
10. Exile of the Sun (CD Bonus Track)
LINE-UP:
Vocals – Andrew D’Cagna
Guitar – Jesse Scott
Guitar – Quinn Lukas
Bass – James Babcock
Drums – Noah Skiba
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of David Barreto and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
