Firestar

Firestar is a work on which Iron Savior again powerfully reignites the grand, cosmic-scale narrative it does well and powerful, straight-running German power metal. Thickly layered guitar, clear, powerful rhythm and forward-pushing valiant choruses generate a burning, sure drive, true to the title. A record full of the dignity and fullness particular to veterans. From the powerful drive of the opener “The Titan” and the drama of “Curse of the Machinery” to the title track “Firestar,” every song is engaging, while cuts like “In the Realm of Heavy Metal” and “Through the Fires of Hell” convey the work’s fullness. Rather than merely overwhelming with complexity, it prioritizes above all delivering the songs’ powerful core to the listener right away. That is precisely why the exhilaration of speeding fast songs, the sure weight of mid-tempo songs and the heroic lift of the vocal melody all resonate straight and powerfully. The grand sci-fi world and human melody led by Piet Sielck’s voice and guitar firmly keep Iron Savior’s hot appeal to the end. A powerful, engaging, fulfilling work of mature power metal.