Back in the early 00’s, when the underground movement was beginning to flourish and a whole new generation of bands would appear, none imagined that eighteen years later the scene would become so saturated. It seems that every month a new band appears with retro stylish photos, a generic warrior/monster/murderer front cover and appetite to revive the glory of 80’s heavy metal.
You know what, it’s all right, since nowadays classic heavy metal is a vital member of the mainstream metal scene and all those quaint looking musicians are playing the music of their age… So what’s wrong with all these apart from having the feeling that i am living Groundhog Day? Nothing in particular except than the fact that get to listen to the same riffs, vocal lines, leads, solos and the outcome depends on how much you can take. Just listen to IRON HUNTER from Spain and their debut album “Mankind resistance”.
The album kicks things off with “In The Still Of The Night”, a fast riff driven track in the standardized metal style. Unfortunately, in terms of originality, the band doesn’t hold any ace in its sleeve, which means that after the first couple of tracks, you already know what you are about to listen next. Typical IRON MAIDEN inspired metal with an overdose of early RIOT, RODS, SAXON, N.W.O.B.H.M influences.
However, the lack on personality is balanced with consistency, as everything fits perfectly: riffs, solos, choruses etc. Everything is there. I loved the fact that the band has absorbed all of its influences and though the outcome lacks of originality, the more I listen to it the more I like it. Especially songs like “Blood, Fire and Steel” and “I’ll Die For You” show that there are some potentials if they let their hard rockish side grow. Also I loved the spanish accent of Emi Ramirez; I’d rather he sung in spanish, but you can’t have everything.
So, to make a long story short, if you are into this kind of metal, then you should give it a listen. If you are looking for more modern or original stuff, look elsewhere.
