The Iron Savior, subject of Iron Savior's albums
Here's a quick test to figure out whether or not you'll like Iron Savior:
Mighty savior - giant made of steel
Let your hammer pound
On the evil we'll reveal
Robot raiders - tyranny of steel
Let your hammer pound
Defending our very ground
-Iron Savior, Tyranny of Steel
Now if that didn't make you want to keep listening to this band, then nothing ever will. This band, whose extensive 12 year career has spanned 7 albums is showing no signs of stopping, apparently despite being criminally underappreciated.
Formed in 1997 by Piet Sielck and his friend and possible reincarnation of Jesus, Kai Hansen, Iron Savior released four albums before Hansen left the band. Not letting this stop them, they kept going and to this day are touring in Europe and have recently released their new album, Megatropolis.
What sets them apart: Iron Savior's songwriting focus tells the epic tale of their travels in space aboard their mighty space ship, the Iron Savior. Not only do they have their own mythos, rather than ripping off Tolkein or Odin like so many other power metal bands do, but they also have their own distinctive sound. It's much easier to pick out Iron Savior than it is to differentiate between, say, Ironfire and Hammerfall. Piet Sielck's hearty midrange voice is immediately recognizable, and it won't hurt so much to sing along with. The musicianship is focused less on sheer technical skill and loads of harmonies, but instead tries to capture the "live band" vibe, making the production more similar to a thrash album than a power metal album. The guitars' tone breathes and sounds alive, and there's a more personal feeling than a great many other power metal acts can capture.
What makes them good: Iron Savior are a less musically complex act than most other power metal bands. Hearkening back to classic acts like, unsurprisingly, Helloween, they prefer songs that are probably recorded in one or two takes, rather than studio built monsters that sound like a full orchestra. Their music is simple and fun, and it prefers to draw you in by smacking you in the face. Everything you hear is a product of the vocals, two guitars, the drums, and the bass.
That's not to say that there aren't the classic elements of power metal in this band; three-part vocal harmonies are common, as are harmonized guitars. Their choruses are singable. Their riffs are memorable. And they sing about giant fighting robots.
You should buy: Battering Ram, shown above, is a good starting point for this band. It is considered by many to be their best work, but once you get into them, you'll probably want to hear the whole catalogue in chronological order.
If you like them, you might like these:
Axel Rudi Pell - Another unique act in the world of power metal, a sort of "Bon Jovi sings Helloween" kind of feel.
Lost Horizon - Their own mythos, space, unique sound - just like Iron Savior, but they sound radically different.
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