Well here we have another original reissue from 1994 called "The Passage" by IRON MAN, this album was created around the time that the Grunge scene unjustly took over the Rock/Metal genre in America. At the time of release of "The Passage" it was a very rough time in America for Rock/Metal music, radio was in full mainstream force, and that was basically the end for many bands back then.

IRON MAN sailed through those years continuing to create quality music, there was a few member changes over the years, but one thing remained the same after all of those years, they are one of the best classic Metal bands out there today! The one original member Alfred Morris is a guitar god that deserves a hell of a lot more recognition for sticking with IRON MAN for so many years!

On some of the more recent songs by IRON MAN they sound a lot like BLACK SABBATH, but on "The Passage" I do not feel that same connection, I can honestly say that the music on "The Passage" is very original. I could dig hard and find a few comparisons, but IRON MAN is a hard band to compare with others because "The Passage" has some very unique songs that will fit in well even 20 years after the original release.

As I continue through the songs on "The Passage" I keep wondering to myself why in the world have I not heard more from IRON MAN? It just goes to show ya that there is a lot of high quality music still out there that was created in the past that can easily outsell a lot of the newer stuff out there today.

"The Passage" is not your typical fast paced energetic melodic Rock album, it has more of a toned down mellow feel, all of the songs have an evenly paced sound that is very appealing to me. There are many Indie bands out there that despise a lot of the original Rock/Metal music because of the similar guitar riffs during the middle of songs, but you will not get that similar sounding riffs in "The Passage" because every song was very well though out in the recording process.

I would like to state again that Alfred Morris is simply amazing, I myself am very proud of him, he could have left IRON MAN to pursue more recognition with other bands, but he stayed true to his band, his passion is relentless, and if there was a top honor Rock/Metal award to give, this guy deserves it!

I have a hard time giving a to high, or a to low review of quality albums, especially for reissues! There are many reasons to give "The Passage" a decent rating. I really like the drums on "The Passage" because there is a feel of unity with Alfreds guitar work, it is kind of a strange way to put it, but I feel that Alfred could fit in with any style of Rock/Metal music, with any current line up!

When it comes to IRON MAN the band, Alfred has been the original iron man for many years, and I would like to give "The Passage" an eight out of ten! I refuse to give it a lower rating simply because of Alfreds playing which, is some of the most impressive playing that I have ever heard, from any guitarist out there past, or present.