It has been some time since I covered a power metal release as I took the plunge with this Belgian outfit and their seventh full length. Formed as a side project by Dushan Petrossi, whose main act is Magic Kingdom, Iron Mask has been around for nearly twenty years, making Mr Petrossi undeniably a very busy man indeed. Surrounding himself with highly accomplished musicians Iron Mask has had plenty of band members over the years with the vocal position involving a revolving door of members that now sees the exceptional talent of Mike Slembrouck joining the ranks for the new album.
Named after the Alexander Dumas novel The Man In The Iron Mask this seventh album is absolutely brimming with scintillating musicianship that sees songs veering from out and out heavy metal bravado to exquisite neoclassical power metal grandiosity courtesy of the exceptional song writing abilities of Petrossi. Whether this album tops previous releases will be down to the fans of the band but as a newcomer to Iron Mask’s blistering and scorching flair I can say they have me well and truly hooked into their sonic methodology. Opening with ‘Never Kiss The Ring’ there are immediate and obvious Rhapsody touches, from either of that band’s incarnations, where the overtly catchy chorus reels you in allowing those lavish arrangements to soar majestically via Slembrouck’s gifted vocal range and the blazing lead work which infests this release from start to finish.
Continuing with ‘Tree Of The World’ a slight medieval feathering is heard on the guitar riff before it swaps sublimely for the catchy refrain as fans of the band will recognise this track as it has been released as a video. The stratospheric choral break is mesmerising and infective allowing you to flex your own larynx if so desired. Slowing down is ‘One Against All’ where a more traditional heavy metal slant is felt, brushed with melancholy on the toning and vocals. Not quite in ballad realms the song has a pristine vocal arrangement backed by beautiful choral like vocals.
The colossal ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’ is a gargantuan epic surpassing the nine minute barrier where barely second goes by without something to claw you in. With the elevating vocal opening the song swerves into true classical power metal acceleration where the galloping double kick sends the track into shimmering orchestration. A match for anything that Rhapsody has produced the song offers that architectural neoclassicism where the bountiful arrangements allow for balletic fret work throughout its duration. As the song hits its mid-phase the song just seems to stretch unending with the guitar as drummer Ramy Ali ramps up the intensity with his dextrous ability but in particular the pounding double kick work.
Completely contrasting is ‘Dancing With The Beast’ where the tempo is reined in hugely for a sombre more down beat song that has a shroud of sullenness. Again, the vocals make their mark with tonal variations kindling a storytelling like modus operandi here. Shifting into purer heavy metal territory is ‘Wild And Lethal’, a song you would swear was from the 80s but saturated in atmosphere. Again, the catchy delivery allows the song to ingrain into your head as the vocals soar brilliantly alongside the nimble soloing.
Another contrast is offered via ‘Mist Of Loch Ness’ where a medieval tint is adorned with orchestration creating a steady build up as the song shifts into epic heavy metal. The pacing is purposefully slow with a slight ominous edging producing a more atmospheric tinge before ‘My One And Only’ returns the album to a power metal crescendo. The sparkling guitar work at the start is excellent as always, before the song shifts smoothly into its body, as again the vocals have that spiralling hyperbole that makes this album so damn contagious. Closing the album is the title track which unleashes a dramatic and theatrical sequence that had me thinking about Blind Guardian. As the snare like marching style comes in the song drifts into harmonious isolated vocals and guitar work. Even though the song is less than six minutes it feels like you’re listening to another vast construction where the choral vocals create that sense of epic drive and foreboding, especially with the occasional tonal dips into a far darker aura. The dramatic bridging of the vocals is sublimely executed allowing the album to conclude with imposing and flamboyant prowess.
Dazzling opulent musicality is at the heart of Iron Mask and this latest opus is a glistening display of the genre at its utmost finest.
(9/10 Martin Harris)
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