Ironsword ‘Servants of Steel’
Album Review By Adam McCann
Alma Mater Records/Epic Heavy Metal
This year has Ironsword reaching an important milestone; a quarter of a century of service to heavy metal and during this time, the Portuguese underground stalwarts have been delivering quality epic heavy metal since they released their superb self-titled debut in 2002. Fast forward to 2020 and Ironsword have delivered their fifth full-length studio album ‘Servants of Steel’.
As an album, ‘Servants of Steel’ does not stray away too far away from the mould already lain down over the past 18 years. Therefore, it is a powerful slab of epic heavy metal that also leans heavily on power metal and because of this, ‘Servants…’ has all the enigmatic and majesty of Manilla Road, Omen and Cirith Ungol, but would also appeal to lovers of a modern sound such as Eternal Champion and Visigoth. This means that ‘Servants…’ is full of bouncing, galloping riffs and pounding drums, but what makes this album so interesting is the vocal delivery of Tann, a voice that is delivered like the guttural cur of a young Joakim Brodén to a wail that has all the hallmarks of Ozzy Osbourne. Now, this sounds like a very odd pairing and yes, that is actually true, it shouldn’t work and at first listen, it is very difficult to enjoy and may fall into an ‘acquired taste’; but after a few listens persistence, it is more than easy to find that ‘Servants…’ is actually very, very enjoyable.
‘Servants…’ is certainly an album which grows and to full appreciate, it does require more than a few plays, but once this album clicks, it is difficult to turn off and you will find yourself playing it over and over again. Raise your swords and your air guitars, it is time for battle!
Rating : 84/100
MHF Magazine/Adam McCann
