Iron Fire
"On the Edge"
(Noise/T&T/Sanctuary) 

This is the second release from these Swedish power metallers, who debuted last year with "Thunderstorm". I really like that album, power metal-aholic that I am, but I have to say I think this one is even better. It's heavier, more raw, and has a harder edge to it, while some of the songs explore darker subject matter, and veer away from the usual "wizards and warriors, dungeons and dragons" type songs that many other power metal bands write about. They've made a fine album here in the tradition of European power metal, with much influence from bands like Helloween and Running Wild, but with more crunch. I even heard some Pantera in a few of the songs. This Pantera thing is catching, I hear them in a lot of metal albums I listen too these days! "On The Edge" starts off with the intro, "Eternal Damnation", then launches into the fast and furious "The End Of It All", a song about the end of the world, which contains some high-speed double bass drumming from drummer Morten Plenge. Next is another rip-rockin' headbanger, "Prince Of Agony", which sounds like it was inspired by watching "Hellraiser" one too many times! Then it's "crunch time" with the next two songs, the title track and "Into The Abyss", which contain some of the aforementioned Pantera influence and pack a punch! After these comes "Thunderspirit", which is more in the style of the first album, being a spirited, uplifting power metal tune. This is followed by "Wanted Man" (Not a cover of the Ratt classic but the subject matter is the same, about wild west outlaws), a good old fashioned hard rockin' tune in which producer Tommy Hansen plays harmonica! And a power metal band using a harmonica in one of their songs is very unusual indeed! After this is "Lost 'N' Alone", the mandatory ballad. Next on tap is a little speed burner called "Forever Evil". "Forever Fast" would have been a better name for it, it's a scorcher! The next song, "Here And Alive", is an uptempo rocker, which is followed by another ballad called "Miracle". The album closes with "The Price Of Blood", a midtempo tune with more Pantera riffs and a slightly more modern feel. This is definitely quality power metal, and it's good that Iron Fire seem to be maturing musically, rather than just turning out a photocopy of their debut. They certainly are talented-guitarists Kristian Hegeland Martinsen and Martin Slott can shred, bassist Jacob Lykkebo and aforementioned drummer Morten Plenge make up a rock-solid rhythm section, and singer Martin Steene has a spirited and soaring voice. These guys appear to be carving a niche for themselves in the world of power metal. This album is highly recommended to all power metal maniacs! As the band say in their liner notes, "Hail the power, spirit, and might of Heavy Metal!"

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