Release date: 27th June 2025

Iron Echo is a heavy metal band from Heilbronn, Germany, formed in August 2022. Though the group is relatively new, its members bring years of experience from previous bands and projects. Vocalist Johnny Vox was active in x-ray, Doctor Speed, Syrence, and Fireforce. Guitarist Timo played in spitefuel and zardoz, while Zottel, also on guitar, is involved in Yeahrock. Bassist Lois, formerly with Elwing, and drummer BJ, previously in Spitefuel, complete the lineup.

Their debut album, Forged in Fire, was first released on CD at their concerts in late 2024. Musically, it sits at the intersection of classic heavy metal and power metal, with influences from bands like Judas Priest, Helloween, Primal Fear, and Accept. The album contains nine original tracks and was produced, mixed, and mastered by Achim Köhler, known for his work with Primal Fear, Amon Amarth, Sinner, Brainstorm, and others.

In early 2025, Iron Echo signed with Metalapolis Records. The album will be released in stores for the first time on June 27, 2025, distributed worldwide by SPV.

Review

The Blacksmith Tales opens the album with a haunting atmosphere. It evokes a vast, desolate soundscape—rainfall and distant thunder deepen the sense of darkness, while an eerie drone hums beneath. Soon, a sinister voice rises from the depths, delivering a brief narrative like a whisper from hell. Just as tension peaks, a sweeping burst of fantasy orchestration crashes in, powerful yet fleeting, leaving a lingering sense of awe.

Ready to Rumble marks the true kickoff of the album, with the band leaning into a modern, polished production where everything sounds sharp, clear, and energised. In contrast to the brief intro, this track feels immediately uplifting, propelled by a tight rhythm section, flowing melodies, expansive chords, and commanding group shouts of the title. The solo slides in effortlessly, while Johnny Vox’s vocals add punch to an already rock-solid sound. It’s a stadium-ready anthem built to last!

Death Dealer bursts in with fierce momentum and commanding intensity. This is a beast of a track; thick, heavy, and brimming with raw power. A standout element is the bass; its sharp twang cuts cleanly through the mix, never overshadowed or lost, which adds a unique texture to the overall sound. The chorus is especially impactful, combining a thunderous double kick assault with bright, ringing chords beneath the bold declaration of “Death Dealer.” The solo keeps that energy alive, unleashing a storm of melodies and harmonies over relentless drum patterns. Subtle intricacies throughout the track keep things dynamic and engaging. All in all, I’m absolutely hooked as this is the kind of song that feels like it could blow you away.

Last Man Standing wastes no time, launching into a thunderous blend of heavy riffs and soaring vocals. As the track unfolds, you’ll hear locked-in rhythm and bass grooves, rapid-fire drumming, and rich vocal layers with a Halford-esque edge. The solo is short but impactful, and the infectious choruses are guaranteed to have you singing along. A tight, no-nonsense metal anthem that delivers.

Sinner is a strong mid-tempo track driven by punchy riffs, tight rhythm work, and vocals that flow naturally with the instrumentation. The solos are tasteful, staying in the pocket and serving the groove rather than showing off. Bridges offer welcome contrast, briefly opening things up before returning to the chug. It’s a no-frills, setlist ready track with just enough dynamic shifts to stay engaging. A late build up with vocal effects and layered backing vocals adds a nice lift, though the “na na na” outro feels a bit like an afterthought. Still, it’s a solid, satisfying listen.

Streets On Fire does not mess around. It gets straight to it with an absolute storming intro before we get into a fully charged verse! Throughout there is plenty of heartfelt vocals but the choruses continue in the same vein as the intro. Every moment is exciting and nothing feels boring. You really get pulled in and feel the instruments, the vocal ideas.The solo follows along with some speeding double kick using a mix of scales and tapping. The following gets down to a mid tempo and menacing stomp which no doubt will get headbanging fans engaged. We then revisit another bridge and chorus to take things out with a bang!

The Awakening starts off with a very eerie intro of semi acoustic ideas and percussive notes. These are soon joined with thick chug chug rhythm stabs. A big build acts a transition into a slow-mid tempo verse and bridge before a warm and bright chorus pull listeners in. Notably through the song there are plenty of tempo changes and breakdowns changing the tone and mood making it an intriguing track to listen too. The solo section electrifies and I especially love some of the little harmonies that you get adding that extra sparkle to the mix. The rest of the song continues to deliver bright and feel good vibes, especially with the en chorus.

Downfall” is an absolute juggernaut. The rhythm section is thick and relentless, pouring over your senses with crushing intensity. Fuelled by breakneck tempos, blistering guitars, double kick assaults, and a raw, electrifying edge, this track unleashes wave after wave of adrenaline. From start to finish, Downfall balances chaos and melody; there are moments tailor made for windmilling in the pit, followed by sections that practically beg for the crowd to sing their hearts out. Midway through, a scorching solo cuts through the mix, layered with haunting background “ahs,” adding depth and atmosphere. It all builds into a ferocious thrash driven drum barrage before slamming into a massive, anthemic final chorus complete with thunderous screams that drive it home.

And so we arrive at Seven Sins, the grand finale of the album. It opens at a steady, almost stalking pace guitar and bass walking in unison while the drums lay down a rock solid backbone. Swirling melodic guitar lines weave through the mix, adding texture, but it’s the vocals that remain front and center, driving the song’s emotional core. One thing is clear: this band knows how to craft songs with thoughtful structure and genuine emotion, and Seven Sins is no exception. An eerie twist comes midway with strange, sinister vocal effects unexpected, a little unsettling, but undeniably entertaining. Then comes the solo: a fuelled eruption of scales soaring over thunderous double kick drumming, launching the track into the stratosphere. As it heads toward the finale, impassioned vocal lines tear through driving riffs before hitting the chant-worthy climax: “hell, hell, hell we wait.” It’s a perfect call-and-response moment for fans, just before a massive metal scream brings the curtain crashing down.

Conclusion

This album is a powerful and cohesive journey through modern metal blending crushing riffs, soaring vocals, and dynamic songwriting into a truly electrifying experience. From the eerie opener The Blacksmith Tales to the explosive closer Seven Sins, every track brings something unique while staying true to the band’s bold, high energy sound. With stadium-sized choruses, thunderous drums, and emotionally charged moments, this is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a full-throttle statement built for both the stage and the speakers. In short: it hits hard, sounds huge, and leaves a lasting mark.

TheNwothm Score: 9/10

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Website: https://www.iron-echo.de/

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