If this album is presented to an e.g. 20-year-old average metalhead, he'll probably stand still for awhile, then mumbling around 'bout the vocals, the production, the simple solos, the...whatever... Bearing in mind what's Metal like in the current shopping priorities of young Metal followers, nothing less than pity should we await to feel. Why? Simply cause - as stated in the Portuguese band's MySpace page - this trio performs nothing different from Metal!!!. Conscious and simple statement; too hard too handle for many people.
Return Of The Warrior - their previous album - was released in 2004, hence there was a great anticipation for whether a new album would hit the stores or not in due time. Finally, the band assembled by ex-MOONSPELL(!!!)/DECAYED guitarist J.M. (an one-man project in IRONSWORD's beginning - he handles the vocals, too) strikes back with Overlords Of Chaos. For warriors aware of the band's style, needless to say, it's essential to go and grab this new CD (due to a vinyl release, also) since there's nothing to fear. For the rest:
IRONSWORD will surely 'travel' you to the legacy of US Metal bands like MANILLA ROAD, OMEN, BROCAS HELM and THUNDER RIDER. Meaning: barbaric/epic Metal of the 80s, with primitive guitars and up-tempo or fast-pace grooves with thunderous bass lines featuring harsh warrior singing. The band's discography carries the same 'smell', still I feel this new album is more mindful and passionate, standing one level above the previous two releases. Tracks like Dark Shadows Of Stygia, An Ending in Fire and Fear The Night I'd propose as best-sellers, still the album should be treated in its entirety; it does not 'wave' at all. I'd like some more technique in the leads, just only to unveil a more 'literature' companion to the riffs' themes, but - anyway - this should not prevent someone from coming to the proper conclusion.
80s non-high-pitch Epic Metal with full zeal and perception. IRONSWORD's music will not apply to much market - again, what a pity - but, whatsoever, Overlords Of Chaos shall grab you by the balls if 'into' the pre-mentioned bands/blend. IRONSWORD: Road Warriors.
P.S.: Not to forget, the one and only Mark Shelton (MANILLA ROAD) appears as a guest throughout the album.