Ironworks is the experimental, industrial, ambient noise project from Michael Bjella, who goes under the moniker of GOG for his debut for Season of Mist. The album is very personal for Bjella, as he recorded it in a late 19th century blacksmith shop where members of his own family once worked. Though I can certainly say that this must have been an emotional creation for Bjella (who plays all the instruments here and creates all the sounds), for the listener this is harsh, loud, and dissonant noise. Yes, it sounds just like one would expect if you were sitting in an old blacksmith shop occupied by numerous workers, all banging and clanking away at their craft. Though "God Says to Love You in Chains" has more of a brooding approaching, and " A Promised Eternity Fulfilled with Cancer" features some lilting piano over static noise, much of the album is filled with all sorts of sounds that are anything but music. For a heavy metal label like Season of Mist, this is without a doubt the most 'un-metal' release to come from them in quite some time. Noise/ambient fans might lap this up, but all others proceed with caution.
Track Listing
1. 1870-1906
2. Tasks Which Destroy Body and Soul
3. God Says to Love You In Chains
4. A Promised Eternity Fulfilled with Cancer
5. Into Her, She Carved The Word Empty
6. I Draw My Strength From You