I gave glowing reviews to the previous two albums by Iron Savior, 2023’s Firestarter and 2022’s Ironbound Vol.2. As I said then, Power Metal is a divisive genre, often dismissed by fans of more ‘serious’ genres. I am unashamedly a fan of the top-quality bands in the Power Metal court, and this album, in the main, continues to bring a smile to my face in the way the previous records also did.
Iron Savior – Deathbringer
Release Date: 13 November 2026
Words: Paul Hutchings
Their 15th album, Deathbringer, once more highlights the quality that Iron Saviour possess. Their line-up is stable, the musicianship top-class, and once again vocalist/guitarist Piet Sielck shows his prowess with a fine performance. His range is something else.
Sure, the formula is standard. Full-out tempo, glorious vocal harmonies and rich melodies surge through each song. The drumming of Patrick Klose is thunderously fast, with the dual guitar work of Sielck and Joachim ‘Piesel’ Küstner slicing through each track. It is anthemic, fast, and at times genuinely uplifting … if you like this sort of thing.
The title track provides ample opportunity to ease into the album, singalong choruses at the ready, whilst Light In The Dark is the next chance to raise the voice. It is German Power Metal at its best, absolutely no doubt. If you love this music, then this will be nectar to your aural pleasure.
Of course, there is a concept running through the record. What else would there be? “After 200 years of peace, the galaxy once again stands on the brink: the Shadows, an insectoid species and ancient enemy of mankind, have returned. Aboard the gigantic Deathbringer vessel, their immortal Queen has preserved the last remnants of her species inside an eternal digital hive – sustained by the life force of countless worlds.
“Now the Iron Savior and the Alliance must face an enemy more powerful than ever before”.
You can either embrace the story, listening to the likes of The Creature’s Tale and the melodic Speed Metal of Climbing Higher, or just experience the phenomenal musicianship on display without fully immersing yourself in the story.
There are a couple of weaker tracks here. Closing song, Fever, is limp in comparison to what has gone before it. It is the kind of stomach-churning semi-ballad that their countrymen Scorpions were so skilled at delivering.
In some respects, it provides a bit of balance to the rest of the often-manic music before it. But overall, it’s a cracking album.
Celebrating 30 years as a band is no mean feat these days. That Iron Savior has managed it is a huge achievement. Plenty of powerful choruses, the highest quality Power Metal, Iron Savior demonstrate on Deathbringer that they still have plenty to offer.
Iron Savior release Deathbringer on 13 November 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl. For more details, visit ffm.bio/ironsavior-deathbringer.
