Here's another band looking to help keep the spirit of the NWOBHM alive, the Canadian act known as Iron Dogs. Actually a duo comprised of Dan Lee (Drums) and Jo Capitalicide (Vocals,guitar,bass,synth), Iron Dogs' latest CD Free and Wild shows a love for all things Iron Maiden, Satan, Angel Witch, Motorhead, as well as Cirith Ungol and Manilla Road. Certainly nothing here will knock you over with originality, but from the production to the arrangements, Iron Dogs have done a pretty damn good job honing in on those early '80s sounds quite nicely. From the galloping rhythms of the title track to the endless guitar harmonies of "Firebird" and "Kingdom of Steel", many of these songs will easily take you back to a very special era. "Island of the Dead" is another fun piece, filled with weaving lead guitar lines, heavy riffs, and 'raise your beer' to the heavens vocal sections. As far as the vocals of Capitalicide go, overall they are probably the weakest part of Free and Wild, as he doesn't have a lot of range, and at times he sounds like a very flat Rob Halford. He's not bad, but his lack of variety and dynamics at times can get tiresome. That being said, this is an enjoyable classic metal release, and I'd love to see these two flesh out the line-up and really make this a band and take this concept to another level. Oh, and how about that album cover?!
Track Listing
1. Firebird
2. Kingdom of Steel
3. Free and Wild
4. Adversity
5. Evil in the Keep
6. Cannibal Death Cult
7. Storm Warning
8. Island of the Dead
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