IRON VOID – IV

Created in 1998 when classic Heavy Metal and Black Sabbath-inspired bands were not the most popular, Iron Void has always set itself against the tides and has sailed on difficult seas. So much so that their first album was released ten years after their creation. However, they have since then kept a slow but regular pace. With album IV, a convenient monogram for their 4th release, the band is back with a more mature sound, heavier than ever but straight to the point.

That Diminished Fifth

While their latest album Excalibur had a definite NWOBHM sound, with IV, Iron Void stays on a Doom Metal path, with heavy riffs, rather slow-paced titles and meandering vocal lines.
One of the definitive assets of the band is its two vocalists: Jonathan “Sealey” Seale provides the gritty and raucous vocals, while his counterpart Steve Wilson is more at ease with clean and higher melodies. That being said; IV is a solid record with a clear directive line and inner coherence. With a sound that could have found its place on early Black Sabbath records “Grave Dance” is a successful opening that perfectly sums up the alliance of Doom and Heavy: both catchy and entrancing.

There is also a clear progression throughout the record, with a catchy and melodic beginning to make your head spin. As it progresses, the atmosphere becomes darker, the riffs heavier, as if the listener was dragged into an underground realm. The turning point would be “Blind Dead”. If you enjoy those slow bass lines that shake you to the bones, it is the song for you. The guitar soli are highly enjoyable throughout the album: all very sharp and clean. All of the songs easily find their rightful place on the record. Special mention would go to “Blind Dead”, “She” and the last song “Last Rites.”

Final Thoughts

This album has excellent moments from the melodic “She” to the chthonian rumble of “Lords Of The Wasteland”. It is a very honourable addition to your Doom collection. Iron Void avoids the pitfalls of many Doom albums: They never get lost in unnecessary lengthy songs, thus keeping the listener invested.

Tracklisting

1. Call Of The Void
2. Grave Dance
3. Living On The Earth
4. Pandora’s Box
5. Blind Dead
6. She
7. Lords Of The Wasteland
8. Slave One
9. Last Rites

Lineup

Jonathan “Sealey” Seale – Bass, Vocals
Steve Wilson – Guitars, Vocals
Scott Naylor – Drums