It becomes immediately apparent that the lyrical focus has shifted from high-fantasy, where most classic power metal draws the majority of their influences, to science fiction, and the change is a good one. The vocabulary is more interesting and technical, and has not been mined to death by other bands for years, so it feels fresher. I would like the sound to match a bit more; Iron Fire are still very much an old-fashioned, up-tempo power metal band, and some futuristic flourishes or instrumentation would have added to the piece.
Voyage Of The Damned also contains some vocal surprises. As well as the operatic voice of Martin Steene, we are treated to the death growls of David Ingram from Bolt Thrower on “Slaughter of Souls.” There is lots of variation to the vocal performance, which is one of the album's highlights.
Another very welcome surprise from Iron Fire is just how heavy Voyage Of The Damned becomes. A lot of attention has been given to building a powerful low end and full-sounding percussion. “Taken” is characterized but deep, chugging riffs, and “Dreams of the Dead Moon” seems to generate it's own gravity. All this weight is balanced by the counterpoint of sweet, twinkling keys and Steene's occasionally nasal vocals. It is good to listen to a power metal album not disproportionately weighted towards the treble, something with some spine and heft to it.
I went into listening to Voyage Of The Damned with some trepidation, but the record won me over. There are some goofy moments, like the organ on “Verge to Collide,” but nothing that a power metal fan couldn't tolerate. For lovers of the genre, Voyage Of The Damned is definitely worth a listen.
(released February 7, 2012 on Napalm Records)
