When I reviewed Vulture’s Dealin’ Death, I couldn’t help but notice the traditional metal leanings on songs like “Gorgon” and “The Count of Caligula”. For all purposes, these sidesteps should’ve derailed such a full fledged thrash affair, but they didn’t. In fact, they helped propel the album all the way up to #2 on our 2021 year end list. I couldn’t help but think these guys had more traditional metal in them, and sure enough, I thought correctly. When they aren’t thrashing it up in Vulture, Steeler (vocals, bass), Stefan Castevet (vocals, guitars), and Gereon Deceiver (drums) are laying down some arcane traditional metal in Luzifer.
Despite forming all the way back in 2009, the band is just now getting around to releasing their debut full length album, Iron Shackles. Contrary to what many (myself included) may have initially believed, Vulture is in fact a Luzifer side project, not vice versa. Little did they know their side project would pick up such steam, ultimately derailing the main band in the long run. I’m glad that they’ve now reached a point where they can balance both, because both vehicles have something unique to offer.
Iron Shackles is a dark, strange traditional metal affair, devoid of the Priest and Maiden tropes commonplace of the genre. The heaviness and atmosphere of the opening title track sounds closer to Mercyful Fate or Angel Witch, without blatantly sounding like either band. The incorporation of Ghost-esque organs and melodic soloing add some ominous depth. “Barrow Downs” kicks things up a notch with its gallop riffs and powerful chorus, while the German sung “Hexer (In Dreiteufelsnamen)” incorporates elements of folk and power metal into one lengthy epic. I’m still not sure how I feel about it, but it definitely stands out from the rest of the pack.
“Wrath of the Sorcerers” comes off as early Mercyful Fate worship with a melodic hard rock twist, reminiscent of the poppier moments on Blue Öyster Cult’s Fire of Unknown Origin (1981). The second German sung tune, “Der Goldene Reiter”, is the only song on this album that doesn’t do much for me. Its redundant chug riffing and middle of the road arrangement come off like a lost 80s German alt rock song with metallic leanings. Thankfully, Iron Shackles ends on a high note with the ominously militant “Attila (Blazing Hooves)”, which again showcases the Mercyful Fate and Angel Witch inspired chops demonstrated earlier.
I appreciate Iron Shackles for what it is: A foray into the unexpected. There isn’t a single song on here that would work on a Vulture release, or at least that’s what I think. If I heard “Gorgon” blindly, I probably would’ve said the same, but it fit in just fine on Dealin’ Death. Iron Shackles may not hold you over until the next Vulture album per se, but it proves that these Teutonic thrashers can do more than unleash rapid fire riffs, blistering solos, and neck snapping rhythms. A little bit of versatility goes a long way these days.
6 out of 10
Label: High Roller Records
Genre: Heavy Metal
For fans of: Mercyful Fate, Angel Witch, Satan