IRONBOURNE – Ironbourne

From the Depths

From Ludvika, Sweden we are treated to the debut self-titled album from Ironbourne, and it’s nice mix of Stoner Metal and Hard Rock that pulls you in and keeps you listening. Formed in 2019, the members all have roots in the local Metal scene, and a lifelong comradery as guitarist Olof Geijer, bassist Lars Andersson and drummer Stefan Viktorsson grew up on the same street. Rounding out the band is singer Torbjörn Andersson (ex-Hybridia) and guitarist Jonas Windle (ex-Abomation, ex-Minerock).

Riff Heavy

Ironbourne is well produced, and is an easy listen for any Hard Rock and Metal fan with its groovy riffs and straight-up vintage style that takes us back to the early days of the NWOBHM when the lines of Hard Rock and Metal were blurring. Power chords, heavy riffs and bluesy distorted bass all work in concert to deliver an effort that has as much in common with Led Zeppelin as it does with Saxon. With 9 tracks coming in at just over 51 minutes, Ironbourne is a fun listen that requires nothing more than a little headbanging with its no-frills power and classic sense of what a hard rock album should be.

Top Tracks

Though all of the tracks have something great to offer, there are a few that stand out like “Elusive Reality” with its strong Black Sabbath feel that harkens back to their early days and songs like “Evil Woman”. “Hit the Wall” gives us another great tune that is unabashedly heavy and simple, giving lots of room for vocalist Torbjörn Andersson to weave his melodies over the top. Rounding out this reviewer’s favorites is “Year of Judgement” with its sludgy bass guitar and sweet layered guitars that again remind of Tony Iommi and company back in the late 70s.

Final Notes

Ironbourne have put together a very solid first album that rocks hard, while still sounding fresh in a style that will always be classic. The production is great and the performances are all top-notch from top to bottom. It’s nice to know that Classic Metal/Hard Rock is far from dead, and new bands like Ironbourne are here to make sure we never forget the roots of Metal. For all Metal fans, this is a sweet listen that will be right at home in your collection.

Lineup

Torbjörn Andersson – vocals
Olof Geijer – guitars
Lars Andersson – bass
Jonas Windle – guitars
Stefan Viktorsson – drums

Ironbourne – Tracklist

1. The Dreamer
2. Elusive Reality
3. Varsel
4. Twilight Of Gods
5. Too Late
6. Covenant 7. Hit The Wall
8. Runaway
9. Year Of Judgement

Total Playing Time: 51:03 min