IRON MOUNTAIN are a Multi-instrumental group from Limerick, Ireland. Having previously self- released their debut album Unum in 2015 the album was re-released on the 1^st April 2016 by Prophecy Productions and although I am not normally a fan of Instrumental music the bands ability to create an atmospheric musical journey that manages to transport you to a foreign country without having to leave the comfort of your seat instantly grabbed my attention and swept away any doubts that I might have had. On this their 2^nd album the band uses a variety of truly impressive musical instruments ranging from the more traditional guitar, drums and bass right through to Uillean pipes, Low whistles and Native American flutes as well as Transverse wooden flute to create impressive soundscapes that manage to draw the listener in, capture his imagination and never let him go until the final sound of the instruments has dissipated.

Starting off the five track album, the aptly titled "Bonfires" gradually eases the listener in with a surprisingly simple but effective and earthily produced riff reminiscent more of a psychedelic, post hardcore sound than that of the more expected Metal style normally associated with this type of music. The aforementioned riff slowly building in atmosphere with a slightly ominous yet melancholic feel using subtle but effective open guitar chords and minimally used percussion before a short violin segment transitions into a continuous and pounding riff that progresses the track into a segment dominated by traditional instruments  which gives way to an almost jazz fusion type crescendo of all the instruments together in a somewhat disharmonious but effective collage of sound before changing back into a more minimalist riff played almost in half time that once again gradually builds itself up with effective use of a, dare I say groovy, drum pattern before ending somewhat abruptly. What becomes noticeable at the end of the song is that a distinct Celtic feel is achieved giving the listener a certain sense of time and place, the music with help of the traditional Irish instruments such as violins and uillean pipes as well as native American flutes conjuring up images of mountainous lands, full of rolling hills, flowing streams and vast forests, a land steeped in tradition, culture and a long and eventful history, giving the listener a welcome sense of time and place.

Second song, "Enthraldon" starts off with another short atmospheric build with the aid of an eerie riff and drum pattern gradually opening up the track before falling into a repeating drum and guitar pattern before a flute is introduced. The way that the song is structured gives one a melancholic feel, images of standing in a dark forest coming to mind, the song exploring the same type of musical theme that was introduced in the first song although here the song falls into a somewhat repetitive, hypnotic beat that nonetheless manages to get hold of the listener and grab his attention until the ending of the song.

"Opium" the 13 minute closing track sees the band come full circle Building slowly with a rumbling concoction of bass, flute and atmospheric guitar chords before a deep and percussive drum fill leads the song into an epic soundscape, drums and bass building an impressive backdrop to the more traditional instruments that take canter stage throughout the middle section of the song before gradually building with a slow melodic guitar riff before the rest of the band comes in, culminating in a melancholic finish that seems to perfectly sum up all that has gone before leaving behind a satisfied listener that has just completed an epic and ultimately rewarding musical journey.

/10
/10
/10
/10