Iron Savior - Megatropolis 2.0 (2015)

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Iron Savior - Megatropolis 2.0 (2015)

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First thing’s first-context and impressions. I’ll spare you the googling-Megatropolis is the sixth studio album released by Iron Savior. It was released in 2007. So what am I doing reviewing it? Here’s the thing. This year, the band released a partially re-recorded and remixed version of the original album. Why? Probably money. But the lead guitarist and singer, Piet Sielck, has been quoted as saying “AFM has informed me that our “Megatropolis” album is sold out, so the idea came up to rework the material and release a new edition. Being unhappy with the album for a long time, I am absolutely delighted to get a chance to correct my errors. The new mix will carry all Iron Savior trademarks such as big choir backings and lots of multi timbral vocals. I left all these goodies out at the time to make the album more distinguishable from my former second band Savage Circus… a fatal error, which I finally can correct now.
Now that that’s over with, first impressions were very positive. Being a cyberpunk junkie, I was very interested as soon as I saw the cover and did my research into Iron Savior as a band. They aim to create a science fiction epic over the span of numerous albums, and Megatropolis seems to be one of them. The cover depicts a dystopian city with what looks like an artificial sun and a city, with what could be the protagonist of the story at the front, shown as sporting a trenchcoat(naturally) and a cybernetic eye, holding a futuristic gun. The colour scheme of the cover also reminds me of Deus Ex, an old game. Anyway, I listened to both version of the album, Megatropolis and Megatropolis 2.0, and the question I’m sure most of you have is “Is it good/should I buy it?”. My answer? “Only if you don’t own the original Megatropolis, or are a huge Iron Savior fan.” The remixed album, as Piet stated, does indeed sound more like Iron Savior, but the source material is essentially the same albeit with some remixes. If you own the original album, that’s probably good enough for you. If you’re somebody who NEEDS to hear that one riff in that one song with extra choir in the back, someone who wants to give the band as much money as they can, or were disappointed with Megatropolis, then I’d recommend you purchase the 2.0 version. Otherwise, wait for a proper new album. As someone who doesn’t own Megatropolis(and hasn’t heard of Iron Savior until now) I plan to pick up a copy.

Now, about the album itself: power metal as a genre doesn’t always sound great but there are a few exceptions. For me and my limited knowledge of power metal, they are that one Dragonforce song in Guitar Hero, Nightwish, and Iron Savior now. They’ve got a pretty epic sound and blend various metal techniques well with the vocals. Favourite song for me has to be the title track, Megatropolis. I listened to it first and it instantly drew me in when I first heard it. Least favourite song was tough to choose, but ultimately it has to be Cyber Hero. Most of the songs on this album have a unique and recognizable opening, one that can make you say “Ah, it’s THIS song”. But I didn’t get that vibe from Cyber Hero. Ultimately, Megatropolis 2.0 is worth your money as long as you didn’t purchase the original.

Review by Sasha Kozlov for www.metalutopia.com

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Iron Savior - Megatropolis 2.0 (2015)

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Iron Savior - Megatropolis 2.0 (2015)

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