IRON FIRE - "Blade of Triumph" (Napalm Records)

Line-up:
Martin Steene – Vocals
Kirk Backarach – Guitars
Jobbe J. – Guitars
Martin Lund – Bass
Jens Berglid – Drums

Band mastermind Martin Steene lived through quite a few ups and downs during his long musical career. A rosy beginning greeted the young formation as IRON FIRE partnered with cult producer Tommy Hansen (Helloween, Pretty Maids, Illdisposed) to churn out the band’s debut “Thunderstorm”. The critics raved and the word out on the street was all about IRON FIRE’s promising career. But the higher one soars, the harder one falls, or at least in this case... One year later, in 2001, the same magazines that praised IRON FIRE turned their backs on the Power Metal ensemble’s follow-up “On the Edge”. Even the band’s own label seemed disinterested, but things would become worse, before they became better. Following an amazing concert in Hamburg, Germany, the planned release party fell through and the label announced that they would not be releasing IRON FIRE’s third offering. As for the icing on the cake: The band’s vehicle was towed that evening. Struck down repeatedly by ill fate, it was only a matter of time before the line-up began to crumble. In the end, the last man standing was none other than a very disappointed Martin Steene, who had no choice but to accept defeat, but began gathering strength to execute his vengeful and conquering comeback. With “Revenge” (a fitting title in view of the band’s past experiences), Steene projects IRON FIRE’s history into the fantastic world of the warrior Cain, who once double-crossed by his closest friends and allies and now revived by magical forces, takes revenge upon his betrayers. “Revenge” is an epic tale á la “Conan the Barbarian”, told by a band, who obviously knows how to fight back. With the help of this highly acclaimed third album and the support of a new label, NAPALM RECORDS, Steene and Co. took revenge on all those who doubted the strength of their Power Metal Crusade. While IRON FIRE never questioned their love of working with Metal “clichés”, the success of “Revenge” showed they were on the right track. The resonance from fans and press was overwhelming and teen and Co. proved to them and all followers of true Heavy Metal that the band was far from efeat. After touring with the legendary DEMON, IRON FIRE, now a tight band of brothers united by a sacred vow of faith in Metal, soon began to write new material for their next offering, “Blade of Triumph”. By teaming up with Frederik Nordström, one of Europe’s most revered producers, the band achieved an immaculate sound, while still delivering heroic Power Metal complete with heavy guitars, majestic melodies, and in-your-face drumming that pave the way for the unmistakable and charismatic vocals of frontman Martin Steene. This steam hammer of traditional Metal albums is sure to appease the youth of steel. A journalist once spartanly wrote: ”True, truer, Iron Fire” – a huge compliment that summarizes the band’s conviction approriately. Armed wth ”Blade of Triumph”, IRON FIRE forges forth to triumphantly deliver 100% genuine Danish Power Metal dynamite.

FROM www.napalmrecords.com
 

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