Review IRON SAVIOR “Reforged – Machine World”

New but not new — that’s the best way to describe the “Reforged” series from Iron Savior. The band launched the first album of this re-release collection, “Reforged – Riding the Fire,” in 2017. The second chapter of this endeavor was “Reforged – Ironbound.”

To make the band’s earlier material available to fans again, Piet Sielck and his bandmates re-recorded some of the German metal force’s earlier gems, which find their final chapter in “Reforged – Machine World.”

Focusing on the early 2000s, Iron Savior re-recorded some blistering metal classics, including “Break It Up,” originally from the debut album, and “Forevermore,” from the thunderous second album, “Unification”. Both are masterful metal anthems that reflect the soulful aspect of Iron Savior’s music.

Roaring metal blasts out of the speakers after pressing the play button. “Never Say Die,” from the 2001 album “Dark Assault,” is a furious metal song that starts dramatically before turning into a sonic blast. Sielck knows how to create big, choir-based sections reminiscent of Blind Guardian and used his talent to equip “Never Say Die” with such a brilliant chorus.

Two songs from the “Interlude” EP, “Contortions of Time” and “Touching the Rainbow,” made it onto “Reforged – Machine World,” exemplifying the layered yet powerful heavy metal of Hamburg’s metal force.

Last but not least, the German metal veterans have reinterpreted a song from a metal legend. “Starbreaker” by Judas Priest concludes this album and the “Reforged” series. It’s a well-done version that doesn’t deviate much from the original while still sounding like Iron Savior.

In conclusion: “Reforged – Machine World” is 83 minutes of solid heavy metal, featuring everything from blasting outbursts to pounding headbangers to soulful anthems. This album’s benefit is its new, powerful production, which gives earlier songs a fresh appeal. The original releases from the late ’90s and early 2000s were influential for a number of reasons. One of those reasons is the charm of that era. Both old and new have something special. You own the original album, but you’ll enjoy “Reforged – Machine World” as well.