Tracks 11-17: recorded live at "Zeche Bochum" on June 25, 1986
Track 18: recorded live at "Warpke Open Air" on July 20, 1985
The first four metal bands I ever heard in my entire life were Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue, Venom, and this band, Iron Angel. I truly believe it was "Hellish Crossfire" that branded me for life. I recently revisited this album again (I have worn through two cassette copies of this before having the CD) to make sure my "score" would be relevant even today...
And of course, this album has almost no flaws. 'The Metallian' starts things off with some pounding drumwork, which is a highlight throughout the album. The vocals of one Dirk Schroeder are THE most unique in ANY genre of metal. His delivery is a bit hard to describe, though thankfully I had the good sense to allow you to listen to the album IN ITS ENTIRETY on the Vibrations of Doom Magazine classic albums section (shameless plug, I know). He has a somewhat growly and raspy voice, but he can definitely hit some high notes. I could compare him to vocalists like Sy Keeler from Onslaught and the mighty Jon Van Doom from Deathwish, but then again he sounds like none of these. MY admiration soars highly for singers that can hit almost a sinister growl but still belt out highs. His were never ear shattering but fit so well! 'Black Mass' had some very sinister vocal chorus work, and the whole affair just oozes evil and dark overtones (regardless of the lyrical content, which is explained briefly in the interview I did with them several years back). 'Hunter In Chains' is another good track that proves the guitar work isn't all evil and heavy, there's some melodic moments to be found (though nowhere NEAR as many as on their follow "Winds Of War") and this tune is quite a metalhead's anthem, as is the great CD closer 'Heavy Metal Soldiers.' One of my alltime favorite is 'Nightmare,' which starts out with beautiful but at the same time powerful and haunting acoustic type riffs, before breaking into some amazing lead solo work. This album is in my top 10 of alltime best 80's metal albums, and I daresay should be in the top 5. My only complaint really is the lyrics to 'Wife Of The Devil,' which is sort of amateurish satan meets sex thing that lyrically seemed out of place with the rest of the stuff they were writing about. Lyrically, well, from what I can gather without ever having even SEEN a lyric sheet, they talk about battles on a grand scale, like 'We pray to fight the devil,' and other things. Very interesting, and only because I've listened to it for so many years now that you HAVE to pick up a few words here and there. There's an amazing guitar solo as well (I won't say which track, you'll have to listen for yourself) that proves lead solos didn't have to be over 100 miles per hour to craft emotion and feeling. Very well done, and I for one am looking for the next full length from Iron Angel that is SAID to be in the vein of their masterpiece.
Special note: The Old Metal Records reissue does feature bonus tracks, which are interesting to hear but PLEASE keep in mind the sound quality is really horrible. I may play around with these someday and see if I can remaster them and bring out a better sound quality.
Sample:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIYKxKEXwhA&t=912s
