Iron Age - The Sleeping Eye

Though associated with the hardcore scene, Iron Age are a consummate metal band. They harken back to crossover’s big bang in the late ’80s. Corrosion of Conformity’s Animosity and Cro-Mags’ The Age of Quarrel surely serve as soundtracks in their van. While many former Minor Threat clones now tease their music with metal moves, Iron Age boast enough musicianship to leave them in the dust.

Dispossessed
A Younger Earth

The Sleeping Eye (Cyclopean/Tee Pee, 2009) dispenses with traditional hardcore even more than debut Constant Struggle (Youngblood, 2006). The only thing keeping it from being through-and-through metal is Jason Tarpey’s rough-hewn voice. It’s preferable to the hokey screeching many singers attempt when it comes to ’80s metal. On “A Younger Earth,” Tarpey displays considerable range with soaring yells and quieter singing.

His talent complements his bandmates’ musicianship. Precision is key with metal, and the instrumentalists don’t disappoint. They stuff songs with varying speeds and shifting moods; the band clearly aims for a Ride the Lightning level of majesty. Though adequate, the guitarists could incorporate more daring solos to elevate their music beyond convention. Nevertheless, The Sleeping Eye is a compelling record by a band broadening its sound.

– Casey Boland

Buy:
Amazon (CD)
Amazon (MP3)
eMusic (MP3)
Relapse (CD)
Tee Pee (CD, LP)

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