Hailing from Belgium is the long running Neo-Classical Power Metal band IRON MASK. Their seventh studio album "Master of Masters" takes on some serious topics, mainly about greedy wealthy elites that  run society. Yet, the songs are still pure fun Power Metal with some pure Heavy Metal and even some Hard Rock bits stirred in to make the subject matter a bit lighter.

"Never Kiss the Ring" is quite an opening track. The vocals are gorgeous! Very Fabio Lione meets Mark Boals (two vocalists I admire immensely) The choirs at the intro and the massive orchestration paired with the galloping rhythms have an Epic Power Metal style. This song certainly sets the theme of the album about money being a driving force and a downfall of current society. This track in particular is about not faltering to these powerful forces and finding your own way. "Revolution Rise" has a similar message, but this one calls for action from the collective. An uprising is the only way to break this vicious cycle of greed. The vocals from Oliver Hartmann add even more power and urgency to an already massive track.

Then there's the songs that paint the settings for the so-called leaders who live lavishly, no matter what it takes to obtain such material wealth. "Dance With the Beast" has more of a whimsical flair. The orchestration paired with some flamboyant Classical style melodies creates a marble ballroom gilded in gold, until you look closer to see the beast behind all the beauty. "Wild and Lethal" goes hand in hand with the previous track, message-wise. People will sell their souls for money. The pure Heavy Metal riffs build the danger of a person who lives for nothing but their own wealth, the pacing rolls it forward. Then the solo really creates the lavish illusion these soulless beings create. The vocals build to this utterly stellar air raid siren high note toward the end that really finished the song perfectly. The title track "Master of Masters" is about the competitive aspect of the wealthy elites. They crave more and more and seem to care about nothing else, but having the most of everything. The catchy hooks in this song and the killer riffs make these bleak truths enjoyable to listen to.

There were a few songs that do not revolve about the theme of the others. The song "Tree of the World" was an interesting one with all the references to Slavic mythology, plus it had a more uplifting nature. I really liked the folky guitar melody throughout the track as well."Mist of Loch Ness" was one that didn't go with the subject of many of the songs at all, but it was still enjoyable. There's an ominous yet fantasy-like feel about every element in this song; the vocals hold  much mysticism, the orchestration and low chuggy riffs paint the gloomy foggy scene of Loch Ness, the guitar solo reveals the Loch Ness Monster midway through the song as well. "A Mother Loved Blue" was another off topic song that was nevertheless, heartachingly beautiful. It's an emotional ballad with powerful, heartfelt lyrics and mournful guitar work. The solo in this one was solemn, like tears were falling with every note. I can tell this song was a cathartic one for guitarist Duchan.

I think my favorite was the big epic length track "Nothing Lasts Forever" It clocks in at just over 9 minutes! It brings on the RHAPSODY OF FIRE vibes with the gorgeous orchestration and heaven-like vocals to match. The rapid fire whirlwind riffs in this one are just stellar as well. This one asks the questions not enough people ask these days like where we go after death. Not to mention if we're living our lives righteously. This one was definitely the most neo-classical track on the album and I loved every second of it.

Overall, "Master of Masters" is quite an album. The songs about greed and power are orchestrated wonderfully with just the right balance of theatrics and headbang-worthy riffs. The more uplifting tracks had plenty of whimsy and triumphant flair to motivate and liberate as I listened. I think the only thing that felt out of place were the three songs that broke from the overall theme. They were almost jarring, especially when the last song flipped right back to the 'wealth and greedy leaders' theme afterward. I still enjoyed the songs, but they did feel a bit out of place nevertheless. The album as a whole is still very enjoyable with plenty of catchy hooks and a string of powerful messages about society that leaves you thinking about it once the album is over.