Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Iron Mask
Title
Black As Death
Type
LP/EP
Company
AFM
YOR
2012
Style
Power
2/8/2012 7:09:35 PM - Review by: Greg Watson
Iron Mask is a Belgian power metal band that reminds me a lot of old Hammerfall and Stratovarius without the heavy keyboards. "Black as Death" is a solid power metal album and I was wanting more after the album was over. Choral backing vocals, sweeping solos and epic melodies make you pump your fist in triumph. I am definitely impressed by this band's effort on this release and will go back to find their older material and check it out as well. Any fan of Malmsteen, Dio or power metal in general needs to check this one out.
PERSONAL BREAKDOWN:

ENJOYMENT
MUSIC
VOCALS
PRODUCTION
ARTWORK
LYRICS


12/22/2011 9:12:33 PM - Review by: Eric Compton
This Belgian act pair with AFM records for this fourth album release. The group stay strictly between the genre limits leaving "Black As Death" a little less than exciting. I can't help but think Metalium or Secret Sphere in terms of clean burning precision. The whole thing clangs and bangs with massive heavy grooves in a progressive mold layered with keys and neo-classical elevation. Iron Mask is just missing that half dozen songs on a record that leaves some trace of innovation or desire to achieve more than just the mid-card.
PERSONAL BREAKDOWN:

ENJOYMENT
MUSIC
VOCALS
PRODUCTION
ARTWORK
LYRICS


  • 2 :REVIEW COUNT
    3.5 :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: IRON MASK
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
Black As Death
2012
AFM
Greg Watson2/8/2012
4
Black As Death
2012
AFM
Eric Compton12/22/2011
3
Fifth Son of Winterdoom
2013
Ice Warrior
Greg Watson11/19/2013
3

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: IRON MASK
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


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