Yet again, the folks at Transubstans Records have unleashed another absolute winner from Sweden upon us, here in late 2017 that release is the latest self-titled album from '70s styled heavy rockers Ironbird. Following three years after their debut Black Mountain, Ironbird once again delivers all those glorious classic proto-metal, hard rock, and doom elements that the band are so good at. Featured at the helm is guitarist Magnus Jernstrom, who also double duties with Mangrove (another excellent hard rock band if you have somehow missed them), and he's joined here by Rasmus Jansson (vocals), Fredrik Schonbeck (bass), and Magnus Arndtzen (drums). Containing eight songs just dripping with thunderous guitar might, a touch of blues & psychedelia, and potent lead vocals, Ironbird go for the jugular and never let go. Tunes such as "Lady" and "Equation" rattle the rafters with plenty of doom laden riffs, and Jansson just soars over arrangements that remind of Black Sabbath, Pentagram, The Doors, and Hawkwind on the powerful "Chains". Total apocalyptic doom can be heard on "Avia", while the more upbeat songs like "River", "Friends", and "Mist" lumber along in smashing fashion, almost like a head on collision between Master of Reality era Black Sabbath and early Alice in Chains.
This is heavy, heavy stuff, seemingly dropped out of a 1973 time capsule right into our welcoming laps. Still aren't convinced that the best '70s styled heavy rock comes from Sweden these days? Well, then be sure to check this smoldering platter of an album out. It's a shame I didn't hear this album earlier, as it would have easily made my Top Picks of 2017. Essential listening for any hard rock, proto-metal, and doom fan.
See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!
Track Listing
01 River
02 Friends
03 Mist
04 Equation
05 Lady
06 Chains
07 Avia
08 Sleep
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