Search - Iron Savior :: Condition Red

Pure Power!

Mark Morton | Boyertown, PA USA | 07/16/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I think I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Iron Savior regardless of what they may release, due solely to vocalist/guitarist Piet Sielck's history as a co-architect for the band that would become Helloween. But that was years ago, and despite the uninspired, by-the-numbers nature of the band's previous release `Dark Assault,' Iron Savior's 2002 effort `Condition Red' brings the band back on track. And although heavily influenced by Judas Priest, Piet's Teutonic heritage and track record for potent power metal keeps the similarities exclusively to an influence. `Condition Red' brings to mind the band's 1997 self-titled debut with energetic and precise steel-forging anthems, pleading, singalong choruses, and a bombastic sense of pride. Rightly so, as the album is a focused study in clear-cut metal with each track causing the listener's heart to thump a little faster and may induce synchronized fist-pumping, such is the glory of pure German power metal. Executed correctly, as in the case of `Condition Red,' you leave the experience with a mild glow and a feeling of benevolence. Though you could probably spit anywhere in Europe and hit a power metal band, Iron Savior stands tall, having developed their own set of rules from day one and continuing to grow as time passes."

Very powerful release, the best so far

Kyle Michelson | MA USA | 06/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've only been listening to Iron Savior for a short time, but they've already become one of my favorite power metal bands, if not my all-time favorite. This was the CD from which I was first introduced to the band, and I guess it was the right move based on what other users have said.



Condition Red is fast, powerful, and really puts you in a good mood. It also has 2 of my 3 favorite Iron Savior songs: Tales of the Bold and Titans of our Time. Stand Against the King is in "Battering Ram". Some people won't like the fact that there isn't too much variation between songs besides the occasional slower-paced ballad, but I love their sound so much that it doesn't bother me at all.



With the lyrics, you'll find much of the same that exists with most other powermetal bands. The whole "metal warrior" thing, themes or rebellion, unity, wars, kings etc. If I had a dollar for every time I heard the words "freedom", "unity" and "warrior" in a power metal song...But this is just standard with power metal. If it bothers you, then you're listening to the wrong type of music. Every genre has its own themes, like rap (money and girls), punk and emo (breakups and girlfriends). What's great about power metal, and in this case, with Iron savior and this album is the fact that the music really motivates you. I can't count how many times I've listened to Condition Red when I've felt depressed, tired, or just lazy. Instantly it wakes you up and puts you in a great mood. That's why this album gets a 5 out of 5 in my opinion."

The best Iron Savior release so far!

Sverre Amundsen | SPRING, TX USA | 10/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a fan of Iron Savior since their first release, but before obtaining Condition Red I was becoming somewhat concerned that they were starting to repeat themselves. Because of this, my expectations for this release were not as high as with some of the earlier ones. However, all my fears were put to rest when I started to listen to this CD. It is absolutely awesome, by far their very best to date! I have barely listened to anything else for several weeks now, and it is not loosing its appeal over time. In fact, this is probably one of the best power metal CD's of the last ten years or so (perhaps in a tie with Helloween's The Dark Ride).I consider Kai Hansen the grandfather of german power metal, but the band has not lost anything with his departure. I am just so thrilled that all my favorite bands (Helloween, Gamma Ray, Iron Savior, Blind Guardian, and to some degree Stratovarius) keeps getting better and better, and keeps churning out quality releases on such a regular basis. I just hope one of them will visit the US soon!"