Another young German upstart aiming to keep traditional heavy/power metal alive and breathing, the origins of Iron Echo begin in the summer of 2022. They would release a single the following year, and this debut album independently during 2024. Metalapolis Records decided this record needed wider promotional / distribution channels, so they signed the band to give Forged in Fire a more prominent platform for potential fans of this genre. Those who love Teutonic anthems with the right balance between speed and melodic mid-tempo arrangements will dig these eight main tracks the most.
The thunderous bass line next to the dual rhythm guitar mainframe gets “Ready to Rumble” off to a glorious start – singer Johnny Vox laying down some higher register notes a la Ralf Scheepers or Andi Deris next to some Accept-oriented background parts in key chorus sequences. At times, there’s a certain level of familiarity to specific main riffs, steady double kick tempo passages, and fiery leads next to multi-layered vocal harmonies for which tracks like “Death Dealer” or “Streets On Fire” could easily be dead ringers for songs off Judas Priest’s Painkiller or the early back discography of Primal Fear. When the band fires on all cylinders in terms of songwriting and performances, a song like “Last Man Standing” contains the right metal to the bone hooks plus proper pacing / twists to galvanize all the troops into glory. Drummer BJ throws down a slower, highlight fill run that transitions into an ideal back and forth lead break sequence, while Johnny reaches into his tool box for numerous lower/mid-range tricks to keep interest throughout. “The Awakening” is more of a mysterious, dynamic effort where the atmosphere is a little left of center – between the occasional clean guitar lines next to more sadistic vocal passages, which soon gives chase to a very culturally enticing twin harmony instrumental section, there’s plenty to absorb for this highlight cut.
The cover art leaves a lot to be desired – especially for those into Primal Fear as the eagle / color scheme aren’t exactly fresh ideas we haven’t seen before. Still, Iron Echo hold promise as another newcomer ready to ascend the traditional/power metal ranks through Forged In Fire. Time will tell on future records if the ability, chemistry, and seasoning pay dividends long-term.