Originating from 2014, Ironborn started as a cover band, but after only a short while, it became clear that there was more potential to the band than just playing covers. So they started writing songs of their own, which has led to their very first EP: Ironborn. Containing 6 heavy metal songs that will leave you wondering where the time went as you listen to those juicy riffs and tight solos on repeat for the umpteenth time.
Ironborn is:
Tom Hugelier (Vocals) (ex-Baremouth; ex-Eternal Breath)
John Mortelez (Lead Guitar) (ex-Baremouth; ex-Xplore)
Jan Versnick (Bass Guitar) (ex-Baremouth; ex-Wizz Wizzard)
Tom Deblauwe (Drums) (ex-Vikings)
Mario Van Laethem (Guitar) (ex-Baremouth; ex-Wizz Wizzard)
What can you expect from this self-titled EP? Very noticeable bass playing that will have you strumming that air bass like never before, energetic guitar riffs that are so good you’d think Ironborn has released at least five albums already, drums that feel so natural to the music that your feet start moving on their own as you tag along, no matter where you are. And the vocals are so well done and varied; switching from a deep growling to a very clear mid-tone voice. All this, combined with the truly remarkable sound engineering, makes this EP a true work of art, that can be appreciated by classy and heavy metalheads alike!
Starting with Drifting Away, the bass and guitar rhythms guide you into a very calm space. Vocals join in and you know what’s coming next. The tension increases, the drummer joins in on cymbals… And for a moment all sound fades for the song to truly kick in. Instrumentally a relatively slow, but very heavy tone is set. A little under a minute later, the song is injected with adrenaline and the vocals join in again, immediately setting the bar of our expectations high as growling and clean vocals alternate seamlessly. This song will have you headbanging along in no time!
You know that feeling when something negative happens and you just walk away from it? Never Again starts off giving you precisely that feeling. This song provides a nice variation on Drifting Away, with relatable, deep lyrics and a very fitting guitar solo, combined with an overall heavy tone.
Your Downfall starts off with bright guitars and instantly makes you feel like a winner. Right before the vocals kick in, the song gives of a Avenged Sevenfold kind of feel, like the intro to Unholy Confessions. And as soon as the vocals kick in, the adrenaline kicks off once again. Fueled by fast riffs and double bass drumming. The vocals, however mainly clear, are sometimes backed with equivalent deep growling, giving them that extra push to make it sound even better. The lyrics speak truth as they definitely “blow you away”.
Dawn of Destiny is the only purely instrumental song on the EP and it doesn’t disappoint. This two minute instrumental track doesn’t need even need vocals to stand out. The Curse is the last official song and it goes out with a bang. Although sadly, the ending of the song itself ends on a simple fade, which doesn’t add up to the expectations previously set. Rock’n’roll Is Dead is the final track and noticeably intended as a bonus track as the song gives of a very clear rock’n’roll vibe as opposed to the previous tracks. This song is a tribute to the late Lemmy Kilmister, who passed away on December 28th, 2015.
Ironborn’s self-titled EP has been out for a little while now on Spotify, Deezer, Amazon and iTunes. Give it a listen if you haven’t already!
Release date: April 15th, 2017
Label: Independent release
Tracklist:
1. Drifting Away
2. Never Again
3. Your Downfall
4. Dawn Of Destiny
5. The Curse
6. Rock’n’roll Is Dead
