Iron Man
The Passage (CD) 1994 Hellhound
Iron Man was formed in 1988 as a Black Sabbath tribute band. They soon developed their own sound, adding in more contemporary touches but always keeping that tasty Sabbathy guitar sound. Their first vocalist was Rob Levey, now the organizer of the annual Stoner Hands of Doom Festival in the U.S. Released in 1994, 'The Passage' was Iron Man's second album, and it's a classic of American old-school doom. The songs are dominated by new singer Dan Michalak's clean, somewhat theatrical vocals that are reminiscent of the NWOBHM. Topics range from the social criticism of 'Unjust Reform' to the anti-war anthem 'End of the World.' Alfred Morris III's guitar work is reminiscent of that found on Sabbath's 'Master of Reality,' in tone, and he steps out for the occasional excellent guitar solo. The rhythm section is more up-tempo than what we usually expect from early Sabbath, anchored by Larry Brown on bass and Gary Isom on drums. Iron Man is in some ways typical of the Maryland doom scene from which they come. They have traded members with other local bands: Gary Isom is now in Spirit Caravan; earlier drummer Ronnie Kalimon is now in Internal Void. Also typical is the sporadic album output; only 3 albums since their debut in 1993. Their most recent album, 1999's 'Generation Void' admirably carries on the sound pioneered on 'The Passage.'	1. The Fury 2. Unjust Reform 3. The Gargoyle 4. Harvest of Earth 5. The Passage 6. Iron Warrior 7. Freedom Fighters 8. Waiting for Tomorrow 9. Time of Indecision 10. Tony Stark 11. End of the World Approx. 44 minutes
Reviewed by: Kevin McHugh
Generation Void (CD) 1999 Brainticket
When the name of the band is taken from a Black Sabbath song it's not surprising that Iron Man was once a tribute band who played Black Sabbath covers only. After a while they began to write their own songs, but even to this day the music is indeed true to the Black Sabbath sound in the Ozzy years. After this description it should come as no shock that the music is good old-fashioned doom rock. Many of the songs are what I like to call proto doom. But that's a matter of view really, as those who consider Black Sabbath to be the first doom metal band would also consider those songs to be doom metal. The terms are probably unimportant, but still I hope this gives an image of what this CD sounds like. As I now mention Black Sabbath for the fifth time it should be clear that those who like them are the fanbase that Iron Man aims for, and probably would hit a bull’s-eye.	1. On The Mountain 2. Boston Strangler 3. Survivor 4. King Of Kings 5. Winds Of Change 6. Generation Void 7. As The Gods Have Spoken 8. Ironica Blue 9. Forever Yours 10. Shadows Of Darkness Approx. 42 minutes
Reviewed by: Arnstein H. Pettersen
Live at Annie's Saloon, Cincinnati, Ohio 2/9/00 (CD) 2006 None
Iron Man is the trad. doom world's best-kept secret. This is partly because despite the fact that the band has been together, in one configuration or another, for well over 10 years, they have only three albums to their credit (6+ years since the last one, dammit!), and the first two of those are almost impossible to find. It is also partly due to the fact that they seem cursed with debilitating lineup changes, group breakups, broken tours, and no-shows at major gigs. Despite all of this, main Iron Man Al Morris II has soldiered on as only a true doomster can; the group is now back in action, trying out new members and looking to play those elusive shows. Beginning back in the 90s as a Sabbath cover band, Mr. Morris & co. soon realized they had the talent and chops to start playing original music, and the group's CDs illustrate the wisdom of that decision. Al's sweet sense of tone makes him one of the best riffing doom guitarists this side of Iommi. Iron Man is also adept at creative riff building, as their CDs have shown. Great songwriting, great tone, great musicianship, and a heavy allegiance to all things Sabbath make the band one of the Maryland scene's heaviest - albeit lesser known - players. So now we're at the end of 2006, and the band is announcing their presence by making a show from their last tour back in 2000 available, namely their gig at Annie's Saloon in Cincinnati, on 2/9/00. I remember that tour, 'cause I intended to go see them in St. Louis, though I'm not sure that they ever made it that far before imploding. Too bad, because the show sounds great! Vocalist Dan Michalak is front and center, with his strong, clean vibrato-filled voice biting off chunks of lyrics and spitting them out at the audience in bloody chunks. Morris' Sabbath-esque guitar is filled with evil, and the rhythm section is in the pocket all the way. It's my understanding that "Ginger," who played bass on the group's last album, 'Generation Void' had at that point been replaced by the excellent visual artist VIIX, whose work has graced album covers by Life Beyond, among others. The song selection favors the then-fresh 'Generation Void', mixed with a couple of classics from their best album, the elusive 'The Passage'. Iron Man also shows that they're not averse to adding in the odd ingredient if it makes sense - dig the NWOBHM influence on 'As the Gods Have Spoken.' Fine stuff! If you needed any proof that I'm only in it for the love, know that I'm not even sure this album is available for sale anymore. I can tell you with certainty that the band knows and approves of its distribution. I also know that if you click on over to the web forum listed above, that the band's management would happily fix you up with a burn. Any discerning doomster will want this on their Christmas list.	1. On the Mountain 2. Unjust Reform 3. Boston Strangler 4. Generation Void 5. Harvest of Earth 6. As the Gods Have Spoken Approx. 28 minutes
Reviewed by: Kevin McHugh