Fifth full album in for Germany's 'Iron Savior' and the departure of 'Kai Hansen' is well and truly behind them, as they notch up another cracking instalment of their sci-fi inspired Power Metal. For those unfamiliar with their work, they are akin to a more intense 'Gamma Ray', with occasional shades of 'Helloween' and some of the refined melodies of 'Rage'. Lead vocals are taken care of by 'Piet Sielck' and while he doesn't possess the greatest range his powerful delivery, combined with excellent support from backing vocalist / bass player 'Yenz Leonhardt' and 'Piesel' more than make up for this. The penmanship on 'Battering Ram' is for the most part very respectable and although the album's booklet doesn't say this is a concept album, to me there seems to be a well developed "galactic conflict" theme running throughout.

The foremost assault on your speakers takes the shape of 'Battering Ram' a suitable title for such a song as 'Iron Savior' delve deep into 'Judas Priest's' 'Painkiller' and come up with a simplistic yet superb opener. Whilst this isn't one of their most intelligently penned tracks, the instrumentation is astounding with cracking solos, impressive pulsating rhythm and a solid all round vocal display, especially on the fist raising chorus. Not quite so convincing yet still enjoyable is the riff driven thumper 'Stand Against the King', a brisk chugger that despite plenty of potential is dragged down by the uneven flow, overlooking this there's a quality solo from 'Piesel', while the drum and bass work is as usual, relentless. Better still is the melodic ripper 'Tyranny of Steel' a lively pulsating number that's graced with 'Sielck's' best vocals and splendid duel guitaring. Following on strongly is the well written 'Time will Tell', which ensues as a basic full throttle belter, but develops into a 'Helloween' style rocker, the melodic chorus with the tolling bell is another highlight. Next up is the magnificent 'Wings of Deliverance' a powerful track which balances harmonious with thundering Power Metal for a superbly arranged song, the trade off between hard hitting vocals and melodic passages is also excellently worked and all to a backdrop of superb instrumentation which features 'Martin Christian' from 'Paragon' on guitar. Simpler but still effective is the rhythm driven 'Break the Curse', while 'Riding Free' continues in punishing fashion, in fact not too dissimilar from classic 'Metallica' but with the anthemic qualities of 'Helloween'. Slightly into 'Stratovarius' territory is the more melodic 'Starchaser', the rhythm work is reminiscent of early 'Raven' while the guitaring is brisk and inventive. The only cut on the disc I can't really warm to is 'Machine World' which commences as a slower more laboured effort, despite this the lyrics are well penned but all told not one of their best. 'Battering Ram' goes out on a high with the quality rocker 'H. M. Powered Man' (which I assume stands for Heavy Metal Powered Man), the lively rhythm work is exacting, while the fret work from 'Piesel' and 'Sielck' is challenging and enjoyable to help make this another top rocker.

A bonus track titled the 'The Call' is included with the version I own and a strong cut it is too, a little reminiscent of 'Manowar' with it's anthemic chorus and general homage to Metal, but graced with some typical 'Iron Savior' soloing and cutting vocals from the multi talented 'Sielck'.

Just one of many quality Power Metal albums to come out of Germany and if you're a fan of the genre, be sure to checkout this excellent piece of work.