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Metalbox Recordings
by Craig Hartranft, 09.04.2014
Iron Knights rose out of the schism and demise of Stuka Squadron several years ago. But the band didn't fair much better after changing their name; Iron Knights band lost three of their members last year. So with this self-titled album they have a revamped band with newcomers Wayne Mann (g) and Jamie Gibson (v,g) for IKII.
But I wish we could go back in time an undo the division and bad blood that ruined Stuka Squadron as this version of Iron Knights and this album is a poor substitute. Honestly, in opinion being the heart of my reviews, I will tell you this: I could barely listen to this album. For the most part, I did not enjoy Gibson's vocals: simply not an appealing listening experience. The other thing was the weird sounding drums. I don't know if it's a single tom, but throughout this album there is this one persistent, annoying, drum that sounds like a drumstick hitting a piece of polished hardwood. It's so pervasive and consistent that it became nearly the only thing I remember about the album. Even worse, at times it was duplicated with other drums. Despair. But the guitar solos which were interesting, making them the enjoyable exception. There, I've said enough. Find some place where you can pre-listen to the album and decide for yourself before you buy. I'm taking a pass.
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I wish we could go back in time an undo the division and bad blood that ruined Stuka Squadron as this version of Iron Knights and this album is a poor substitute.
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