THRONE OF IRON – Adventure Two

(No Remorse)

Rating: 7.0

Long running Indiana traditional minded act whose debut (aka Adventure One) was released during the pandemic (2020). Since then, they’ve attempted to make up for “lost time” with a spate of US festival appearances. Hard work seems to have paid off, or at least caught the attention of this Greek label.

“The Oath” is a strong number, probably should have been slotted in the lead-off spot, rather than the lackluster “Denied”. More frenetic “Divine Smite” continues the urgency, on the back of a sing-along rhythm. Lone, jangly guitar notes greet a more brooding “The First Loss”, a 1+ minute intro to galloping “The Final Rage”. It gets close to speed metal/thrash intensity for quick hitting (less than four minutes) “Upon A Bloody Shore”.

A deliberate stomp opens “Detect Evil”, which eventually kicks into a higher gear (albeit not as quick paced as its neighbors). Speaking of a slower pounding, up next is a staccato, fist punching “The City Of Brass” (knuckles, maybe?). Quite the mouthful of a title, “The Holy Fire Of St.Djezzagh” comes to a dead stop, early into the otherwise active track. “Altar Of Ukim’s Conflagration” is just 40 seconds of nonsensical sound effects, leading to quick picking “The Ninth Level” finale.

A fun live act: talented, enjoyable, but ultimately, nothing to really grabs the listener’s attention either lyrically, nor musical hooks. Same on record, even after repeated spin.