The Iron Cemetery is the second recording by a Norwegian group that are headed towards progressive metal's upper tiers that group is known as Illusion Suite. Those metal enthusiasts who has listened to Illusion Suite will already know what everyone else is missing out on. Illusion Suite are a highly talented outfit and a fine companion to those wonderful technical metal groups like Pagan's Mind, Circus Maximus, DGM and Seventh Wonder.
Vocalist Bill Makatowicz has an impressive set of pipes, the other members are bass player Dag Erik "Deck" Johnsen, drummer Roger Bjorge who also plays keyboards of which The Iron Cemetery has a great deal, but wait there's more as Roger has another role as back up vocalist and guitairst Kim Jacobsen does a fine job completing the line-up. With captivating songs and ample variety The Iron Cemetery has so many positives including sound wise as Jens Bogren (Symphony X, Paradise Lost, Opeth, James LaBrie, Katatonia ) took care of mixing and mastering. The only downside is The Iron Cemetery seems to be over too soon, and has me wanting to hear more of Illusion Suite's engrossing metal.
Flowing with energy is "Orpheus Quest" a powerful, technical and melodic song that is just so good, we are then treated to the heavy progressive introduction of "Uni-Twins" this one serves up a fine melodic chorus and solo section. Title track "The Iron Cemetery" is packed with more adventurous twists and turns, vocalist Bill Makatowicz soars on "When Love Fails" and "Nero" is simply a stellar song that ticks every box. "Nostradamus First Prophecy" is another great band effort as this group likes to share the workload so no one really dominates creating a fitting balance. "The Ugly Duckling" is not only an interesting title for a metal song the lively chorus reminds me of that Sonata Arctica style it's that kind of catchy melodic metal, the band remain in upbeat mode for the pumping closer "Premonition".
Really all power/progressive metal fan needs to experience the musical wonder that is The Iron Cemetery Illusion Suite's fantastic new album.
Track Listing
1. Intro (instrumental)
2. Orpheus Quest
3. Uni-Twins
4. The Iron Cemetery
5. When Love Fails
6. Nero
7. Nostradamus First Prophecy
8. The Ugly Duckling
9. Premonition
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