Heavy metal has long been considered a dead genre from the eighties. In recent years, however, a large number of, mostly German, bands have come to the fore that prove the contrary. Blind Guardian, Helloween and Gamma Ray are bands that have given heavy metal a modern twist. This means: high-pitched vocals, screaming guitar solos, double bass drums and textual themes around knights, elves and castles.
The Danish Iron Fire releases their second album with On The Edge and tries to connect with the heavy metal top with the help of producer Tommy Hansen (also behind the buttons at Helloween). Hansen has provided a typical heavy-metal sound, but unfortunately the songs of Iron Fire are not very strong. The Danes lack the necessary melody and the catchy symphonic harmonies that are so important in heavy metal. Singer Martin Steene is certainly not bad but not completely convincing. The songs may also be a bit too slow and the keyboards only have added value now and then. On The Edge unfortunately lives up to its name, because it is all just on the edge. (RWK) _more
