Release Date: August 22, 2025
Label: Perception Records (division of Reigning Phoenix Music)
Genre: Heavy/Power Metal
Line Up:
Piet Sielck – Vocals, Guitars
Joachim “Piesel” Küstner – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Patrick Opitz – Bass, Backing Vocals
Patrick Klose – Drums, Percussion
Disc I:
Never Say Die [2025 re-recorded]
Eye Of The World [2025 re-recorded]
Walls Of Fire [2025 re-recorded]
Time Will Tell [2025 re-recorded]
Dragons Rising [2025 re-recorded]
Stonecold [2025 re-recorded]
Machine World [2025 re-recorded]
Stand Against The King [2025 re-recorded]
Break it Up [2025 re-recorded]
Disc II:
Contortions Of Time [2025 re-recorded]
Wings Of Deliverance [2025 re-recorded]
Touching The Rainbow [2025 re-recorded]
I Will Be There [2025 re-recorded]
Forevermore [2025 re-recorded]
H.M. Powered Man [2025 re-recorded]
Starbreaker [Judas Priest cover]
Back when Bloodstock still featured Battle Metal Fridays with bands like Iron Savior as regular fixtures, I first encountered these musicians. In terms of style and approach, this immediately transports me to the early 2000s era, which is a) fantastic to reference a band from this century and b) prevents me from saying “this sounds like the 80s” since it genuinely doesn’t. What you get here is heavy metal and power metal seamlessly combined, with Iron Savior possessing an exceptional ability to deliver this consistently without straying from their chosen direction.
From that magnificent early 2000s period for the band, the ‘Reforged‘ concept assembles tracks, concentrating on what they consider the finest selections from ‘Dark Assault‘ (2001), ‘Condition Red‘ (2002), ‘Battering Ram‘ (2004), and the ‘Interlude EP‘ (1999). The album’s second half also incorporates ‘Break It Up‘ from the 1997 ‘Iron Savior‘ release plus ‘Forevermore‘ from 1999’s ‘Unification‘. This reworked compilation serves as definitive evidence that Iron Savior deserves to be exponentially more popular. The music is stunning, expertly crafted with anthemic compositions that effortlessly elevate you from your seat.
For additional confirmation, examine their interpretation of the Judas Priest cover ‘Starbreaker‘ – a masterfully arranged album conclusion. Complete credit goes to band founder Piet Sielck (vocals, guitars), alongside Joachim Küstner (guitars), Patrick Opitz (bass), and Patrick Klose (drums) for delivering this third ‘Reforged‘ release. These compilations provide ideal motivation to explore a band’s extensive back catalog, and with 12 studio albums, 3 ‘Reforged‘ releases (this one included), plus live recordings and EPs available, considerable time could be invested in deep exploration.
At least one Iron Savior album belongs in every household. This serves as an excellent entry point – afterward, acquire the remaining 2 ‘Reforged‘ collections, then progress through all 12 studio releases. Disappointment will not follow.
Ratings: 8/10
Reviewed by Adrian Hextall
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