Ironsword - Overlords of Chaos

December 12, 2008

Reviewer: M.J.

What we have here, my friends, is true unabashed classic metal firmly rooted in the late 70s and early 80s with a heavy nod to Manilla Road. Ironsword make no attempts to hide it either, in fact they employ Mark Shelton as a mentor and he lends his vocals to several tracks. While they may display their love of all things Manilla Road proudly on their breast plates, these crazy Portuguese are out to prove they have something to offer of their own and convert the unbelievers.

With two albums under their belts, Ironsword have carved out quite a niche in the metal scene and now have unleashed Overlords of Chaos. This is brutal barbaric metal that champions the feats of the common man, warrior, and viking in us all. Their brand of metal is not particularly unique, in fact it's been done way too many times before, but what they do, they do very well. Lyrically based on the works of Robert E. Howard, the band writes about the exploits of battles, glory and honor. Some might think this could draw comparisons to Manowar. That's possible if you compare it to Battle Hymns or Into Glory Ride but Manowar dropped this approach long ago and any comparisons are not particularly valid in my opinion.

Mark Shelton steers the band, rightfully so, on a course of economy that Manilla Road never seems too concerned about embracing. Most songs run between under three minutes to around the five minute mark and never meander down some trivial tangent only to find their way back again... seven minutes later like Manilla Road at times. All joking aside, the band displays an adept ability to string hook after hook together without becoming too repetitive or running it into the ground. "Fear the Night", "Overlords of Chaos" and "Cimmeria" are prime examples of where the band shines, hitting all the right notes with nothing left to burn. When they marry hooks with some really beautiful harmonic leads like in "Call of Cthulhu" it's utter magic. 

If there is one thing that could hold the band back from being catapulted out of cult status I would have to say vocally, they are weak. While the vocals do not bother me in the least, I can see that the gruff and rather monotone vocals are rather limiting in appeal even though they suit the music and lyrical content perfectly. If Manilla Road can find an audience, then I have high hopes that Ironsword will be able to find one too.

Release Date: September 3, 2008
Label: Shadow Kingdom Records

TRACK LISTING

1. Death Of The Gods
2. And Ending In Fire
3. Overlords Of Chaos
4. Blood And Honor
5. Cimmeria
6. Wrath Of Crom
7. Hyperborean Hordes
8. Road Warriors
9. Fear The Night
10. Dark Shadows Of Stygia
11. Crown Of Iron
12. Call Of Cthulhu
13. The Pyre Of Kings

Total playing time: 57:01

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