(heavy metal) Iron Cross - Iron Cross - 2001, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This band is probably my discovery of the year. Iron Cross have been around since 1979 (!) but they do not have many recordings. After the release of a double LP on O.P.M. Records, Iron Glory have released this CD with 13 of the best songs off the 2LP. Let's get one thing straight right away: If you're one of those who place production and "clean" sound above the music (in other words, if you're wondering if you need a manucure), then you probably won't like this... you wimp. hehehe Jokes aside, This collection of 13 songs is essentially pure, raw and unpolished heavy metal.

Iron Cross boast a sound that seems to be heavily influenced by late 70s metal, sometimes having some Black Sabbath vibes to it, while some "horror-sounding" songs remind me of some early Alice Cooper. Some will call this "old school". I don't like the term myself, but if that's what they are, then so be it. Iron Cross' sound is neither new nor old, rather it has a "timeless" ring to it - killer riffs, excellent melodies, powerful drumming. Music-wise, those guys are way up there with the better-known metal legends of the late 70s and early 80s.

There's quite a bit of variety here - a few speedy songs flirting with early speed metal, some songs starting as if they were ballads then catching the listener off guard with speed and heaviness (the excellent song "Demons" is a good example of this), some other songs, such as "Die Like That" and "Mistress Of The Dark" are very catchy yet uncompromising. Get into a more melancholic mood with the excellent "Believer Deceiver". Feel the rage with "Bloodlust". Hell, I could name all the songs here so I'll stop. Weak moments? None! This album has rapidly been climbing the ladder of my all-time favorites.

This sound may not appeal to those who think metal didn't exist before 1990 - their loss! Anyone who likes or at least respects the originators of metal should give Iron Cross a try. As far as I'm concerned, this could have been a Classic Review since the music presented here is just timeless and will be as good in 20 years as it is today. I've been listening to this CD almost non-stop for a while and I don't get tired of it. Anyone who dare calling themselves real metalheads should get this. Highly recommended (in case that wasn't already obvious).

The Metal Crypt

Mike Skelton - vocals and guitars
Rex Alan - guitars and backing vocals
Dan Bippes - bass and backing vocals
Tony Blair - drums and backing vocals
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Mitch Cruz - backing vocals
Ian Dean - intro on 6