Band:	Iron Savior
Album:	Skycrest
Style:	Power metal
Release date:	December 04, 2020
A review by:	Dream Taster

01. The Guardian
02. Skycrest
03. Our Time Has Come
04. Hellbreaker
05. Souleater
06. Welcome To The New World
07. There Can Be Only One
08. Silver Bullet
09. Raise The Flag
10. End Of The Rainbow
11. Ease Your Pain
12. Ode To The Brave

If aliens ever invade the Earth, I am sending them to Piet Sielck. The producer from Hamburg, not unlike his counterpart Kai Hansen's Gamma Ray, has been dishing out quality intergalactic-inspired power metal for decades now with his own band Iron Savior. Oh yeah, he is also known for being on the forefront of the German metal scene since 1978 and for being a founding member of Helloween, again with Kai Hansen. So back to aliens, kindly head on to Piet's Powerhouse studio for a beer or two before you do anything. You know, the truth is out there.

It is hard to conceive that Skycrest is already their 12th studio album. And immediately you will be utterly surprised by their new symphonic black metal sound a la Limbonic Art. Of course I am kidding. This is more of the same power metal awesomeness from the Iron Savior of yore. With Thomas Nack on drums and Jan-Sören Eckert on bass, these songs are ripe with tight rhythms. The album contains a full encyclopedia of guitar solos courtesy of Piet Sielck and Piesel Kustner. Soaring vocals, kitsch lyrics and power choruses are aplenty as expected.

Even though this album feels very cohesive, power tunes such as "Hellbreaker" and "Souleater" stand out as highlights. The ballad "Ease Your Pain" is also forevermore a favorite of yours truly. Somehow the atmosphere and relentless drive make Skycrest one straight up rockin' record from start to finish. Some may find the mood too light, even for the genre. I guess you can't please everybody. For what it is worth, this is an injection of happiness through metal. And sometimes, you need that uncomplicated relief from the world. Especially when aliens are invading.

Skycrest is another joyride down the roller-coaster of German power metal. Every track is a reference to either Helloween or Gamma Ray, or something in between. The album is rather unsurprising but nicely put together as usual. Either way, this is a very uplifting listen. The determination of this band to rock on does wonders to lift one's spirits. If you are feeling blue, power metal to the rescue.