Well, well what do we have here? IRON BRIGADE stormed the playground of metal a couple of years ago releasing one of the most promising EPs of that year. It was a
hellstorm of U.S. Maidenisque Power Metal the way I WANT IT. Yet years have passed and having not heard of the band I thought that they were lost in oblivion.
However, a couple of weeks ago as I was wondering through Stormspell’s (a label I follow closely) preorders, I was more than thrilled to see that IRON BRIGADE are alive and well and their full length is almost out.
So what should I expect from a band that reached an unfathomable peak with their first EP? First of all, I should mention that most of the band are new guys, leaving the rhythmic section as the only surviving members. Should this worry me? Fuck no, because from the first seconds of the opening tracks “Deus Vult/Crusader” its quite obvious that IRON BRIGADE live up to their hype: Solid U.S. POWER METAL in its purest form: catchy but not commercial and anthemic yet not “sing along”, IRON BRIGADE‘s power metal is deeply rooted in the second wave of U.S. tradition: RIVAL, GOTHIC KNIGHTS, NEW EDEN, ZANDELLE (yeah fuckin’ ZANDELLE RULE), with touches of HELSTAR, mid-period RIOT and of course IRON MAIDEN.
Speaking of IRON MAIDEN I should mention that Daniel Butch, vocalist of the band has a strong Bruce Dickinson vibe in his voice. Should someone unaware of the band listen to a couple of songs he might thing that they are hidden IRON MAIDEN golden era tracks. There are of course some traces of European power metal (with “Afterlife Confessions” being the closest thing in this style) but they do not become dominant in their sound, however they add the necessary aggressiveness that power metal needs without dwelling into the thrash region.
As the album progresses its quite obvious that the band sticks closely in their preferred style. There are no surprises here except good songwriting and stellar performing. Most songs are fast, with melodic guitar harmonies, MAIDENinsque choruses, galloping riffs and everything I love in an album. “All Hail the Guardian” is a good example of how the album sounds, with the lead breaks being the highlight of the song. Other highlights include the title track, “Afterlife confessions”,“Days of Glory”, in fact there are no dull moments in this album. No “mature emotional playing” only POWER METAL the way it used to make us proud.
“Ill Fated Voyage” is one of the power metal highlights of the year. Should you be fans of the early 90 days of power metal don’t miss it. Its a must buy / must have album and for me a worthy follow up of the first EP.
The album has been released on the 28th of November 2025 by Stormspell Records on CD.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
