When I first started listening to IRON FIRE they were just releasing their debut album, "Thunderstorm". In general it was a great traditional Power Metal bombardment following the elements that were a part of the Euro scene since the 80s. After a few bumps and bruises along the years, IRON FIRE came through with several good albums, their previous for example. Nonetheless, I wouldn't have known that it would lead to this new voyage.

This is a story of true development that actually took care of past shortcomings and in the end result sounded so great. 2012 welcomes the new. release of the Danish IRON FIRE named "Voyage Of The Damned", via Napalm Records. As you might read in the first sentence, this yet another stage of development both of the band and both of the Euro Power Metal genre and this new album serve as one of the crown jewels of that process.

In comparison to other new age modern Power Metal releases, "Voyage Of The Damned" solemnly stands on its own. IRON FIRE proved that sometimes experimenting can be worthwhile while disregarding the risks that may stand in the way. Though the second track, following the intro, "Enter Oblivion OJ-666", remains in the older standards of the genre with new extras, from that point on it was as if a cosmic epic story had taken its hold. I don't really know if the whole album is considered a concept, but if not it surly felt that way.

Surrounding the well written lyrics, which once again didn't involve legendary dungeons and dragons, IRON FIRE presented some musical compositions that almost made them as a different musical existence. In contrast to the previous album, "Voyage Of The Damned", is darker, colder and filled with the mysteries of the far future. The progressive touch on the once traditional approach planted its roots with a series of interesting riffing, incredible rhythms that sounded slightly technically complex yet without losing their edge, outstanding solos, assorted beats and a one hell of a vocal line by the same person that was there when the first storm began in the late 90s.

About the vocals, I think that an enormous progress took place here, especially on this album. I remember how the vocalist, Martin Steene, first sounded on the first albums and boy am I pleased with him now. From a thin, a bit crooked, mid high voice he has reached to a level where he can summon up a few levels of growls while the clean edge became tighter and divers even if its pattern still lacks depth.

Although "Taken" wasn't the best thing around, even with the new approach, and for me the weakest track on the album, in overall it is still a fine piece of music. The album's self-titled track was a different story entirely. Through ten minutes of fame, IRON FIRE were able to march proudly into borders that they have never explored in full. The musical verses are breath taking as if it was a full showcase divided into segments that weren't aimed to be kept apart. This is one of the best served epics I have heard in a long time.

This entire album has so much to offer and it broadened the limits of Power Metal into new and darker horizons that may point of a swell future.