Review IRONFLAME “Worlds to Conquer”

For fans of the NWOBHM and traditional heavy metal, this is definitely worth checking out, as Ironflame have a new album ready to hit the shelves. The mastermind behind the band is Andrew D’Cagna, also known for his work with Icarus Witch and Brimstone Coven. Since 2016, D’Cagna has been running Ironflame as his own project, and these days he returns with Worlds to Conquer, already the fifth album under the Ironflame banner.

The new long-player contains nine tracks in total, with “Death’s Immortal Flame” serving as a bonus track.

D’Cagna spent three years completing the new album. The extended timeline was necessary because the multi-instrumentalist played everything himself, while live guitarists Jesse Scott and Quinn Lukas contributed a few solos.

Things kick off with a piano passage reminiscent of Savatage, which very quickly transforms into a pulsating metal track. “Night Closes In” is a solid way to open the album, combining powerful riffs with well-crafted vocal melodies.

“Worlds to Conquer” operates firmly in the realm of traditional heavy metal, and tracks like “Shadow Slave” make it clear where D’Cagna draws some of his inspiration. While the song has plenty of its own character, a few Dio influences are hard to overlook—and honestly, that’s not bad thing.

Ironflame also know how to make longer songs work. Take the varied “Dynasties Fall” or the closing title track, both of which demonstrate that the band can keep extended compositions interesting and dynamic. There’s enough going on to keep your attention—and perhaps just enough to make your neck start moving before you even realize it.

Worlds to Conquer is a well-crafted new album. Building on the roots of traditional heavy metal, D’Cagna has created a record that sounds fresh and energetic while staying true to its foundations. These are songs that are simply fun to headbang to, and it’s nice to be reminded that well-made heavy metal can remain timeless without needing to reinvent the wheel.