Kill or Get Killed

Kill or Get Killed is a work on which Iron Savior beautifully pulls together a sci-fi world, hard, steel-like riffs and valiant big choruses into one powerful drive. Over machine-precise rhythm evoking mechanical operation, the guitar moves between hard chopping and lift-filled leads, pushing the songs forward. The sound is heavy but by no means dull, and with low-end pressure and rising melody coexisting, it firmly keeps a futuristic yet classic heavy-metal feel. From the power of the opening title track “Kill or Get Killed” and the aggression of “Roaring Thunder” to the drama of “Eternal Quest,” in speed-filled songs choruses that invite a big sing-along generate a sure release, and in mid-tempo songs the riffs’ weight and narrative stand out, while cuts like “Stand Up and Fight” and “Heroes Ascending” convey the work’s fullness. Its appeal is that the arrangement, without becoming overly complex, has each part powerfully repeat the theme, so an unshakable, sure core runs through the whole album. While placing images evoking cosmic war and mechanical civilization in the background, what strongly remains at the end is singable melody and a fist-raising beat. A powerful, engaging power-metal work showing Iron Savior’s merits with high purity.