Ironheart – ‘Ironheart’

(Prog AOR Records)

This self-titled album from cult British NWOBHM act Ironheart is a bit of a Frankenstein as it’s not a reissue it’s a collection of various odds and sods. Containing a couple of singles, an EP and a live concert, the live tracks make up the bulk of the album. To be honest I would class this as a live album with a few added studio recorded bonus tracks.

There are elements to Ironheart I really like, but it’s not easy to get enthused about this collection. The band exhibit a lot of characteristics I enjoy in music but the songs just fall short of making a lasting impression on me. It’s not hard to understand why Ironheart never broke through and remained a cult act, they just didn’t have enough killer songs to break through. It seems their live performances was where the band exceled and generated their following. Getting support slots with some of the late eighties most popular melodic rock and NWOBHM acts will have only boosted their fanbase. Touring with the likes of Saxon, FM, Romeo’s Daughter and Onslaught.

The live tracks are from a concert at Bogey’s in Cardiff way back in 1989. Yes, it may be raw and very much live, but I found the sound quality and poor mix makes it a very hard listen and doesn’t really compel me to listen to it repeatedly. I think fans of Ironheart especially those who witnessed the band live will enjoy these tracks and like being taken back in time, so it does have appeal. It just isn’t the best live album ever; it’s very much capturing a moment in its time. Anyone who was actually at the gig will probably love this!

It’s the studio tracks where my main interest is with this album, Ironheart mix early eighties NWOBHM with more straight-ahead melodic rock. It’s ok stuff and had I been around back in the day I would have seen a lot of promise in the band as their hybrid sound ticks many boxes for me. These songs just don’t jump out at me.

I think it’s a great collection for people looking for nostalgia and it’s a great window into the past especially for those who enjoyed Ironheart live. For anyone new to the band I do find it hard to recommend though unless you approach it through a nostalgic lens.

3/10

Review by Woody