Review Summary: This is a great Power Metal album, but do not expect anything remarkable or genre-defining.
Power Metal is a genre that is filled with many bands that have their own unique takes on it. Though all focus on guitars and vocals to create their own sound, many of these bands implement different elements to make their sound unique. Some experiment with symphonic or progressive elements like the
Blind Guardians or
Helloweens of the industry, or make their own sound heavier, like
Iced Earth.
Iron Savior, one of the many German Power Metal bands in the music industry, takes on a simpler and slightly heavier approach to Power Metal.
The opening track, titled “Battering Ram,” promptly hits the listener’s ears like one. With a hard-hitting intro of a heavy riff combined with well-done drumming, the introduction works incredibly well for the entire album. The song stays at a moderately quick tempo and, with Piet Sielck’s lower vocals, creates a darker atmosphere than many of their Power Metal contemporaries. Because of this, this song is a perfect representation of what will come on the album; featuring a subtly darker atmosphere in the realm of Power Metal. The album also experiments with a few different ideas, including the fast-paced “Stand Against the King” or “Riding Free,” and the very powerful chorus and melodies of “Tyranny of Steel” or “Starchaser.” All five of these songs are enjoyable, though somewhat simple, listens of the Power Metal genre; with a heavier atmosphere that emphasizes the strong songwriting.
Piet Sielck’s singing may be the biggest element that sets this album apart from the many other German Power Metal bands, as his lower voice makes the atmospheres a bit darker from those bands. “Battering Ram” and “Wings of Deliverance” are just two examples of darker than usual Power Metal, and his lower tone only emphasizes the more mechanical-sounding atmospheres. Though Mr. Sielck may not have the voice to hit notes like Ralf Scheepers or Kai Hansen, he still is able to sing strong choruses throughout the 48 minutes of the album. Sielck has a befitting performance on the guitar, in addition to his vocal duties; creating effective riffs from the album’s dawn to its dusk. With fellow guitarist Joachim Kustner, their playing helps carry each song, sometimes creating exceptional stand-out moments like the harmonized section in “Tyranny of Steel.”
The other band members, unlike Sielck and Kustner, are fairly unremarkable in juxtaposition. The drumming is fairly standard for Power Metal, though Thomas Nack doesn’t really stand out on much of the material. He merely compliments the band by keeping time and creating a decent backing beat to the stronger instrumentals playing over it. As for Yenz Leonhardt, the band’s bassist, it is often difficult to hear him over the rest of the band. With the loud and heavy playing by Sielck, Kustner, and Nack, it is very difficult to hear Leonhardt’s playing; which is a bit unfortunate. This does not mean that he is a bad bassist though, as “Riding Free” contains a high-speed performance that fits the quick tempo of the song. Overall, much like Mr. Nack on drums, he sadly does too little to make a strong impression in this album.
Outside of the unremarkable instrumentals, there are a few other flaws over the course of the album. Though the band’s style is certainly unique among other German Power Metal bands, the songwriting is not exactly the most unique. As the album nears its conclusion, the songs may seem like they run into one another, and may get a bit too repetitive near the end. “H. M. Powered Man” sounds extremely similar to songs like “Battering Ram” or “Starchaser,” and could have been changed around to make it a more remarkable listen. Some songs are also fairly unremarkable, as “Break the Curse” may be the album’s single bad track; with a slower tempo and slightly less inspired songwriting and playing from
Iron Savior.
Battering Ram may not be the most unique or outstanding Power Metal album, but it is a good listen and a recommended purchase. The instrumentals and song-writing both suit and emphasize the band’s darker sound, and make it an overall enjoyable listen. Though the quality may dip down at a few points due to a bit of repetition, the album has only one outright bad song and is thankfully surrounded by greatly written material. If you want a great Power Metal album, then this is for you.
