Iron Mask: Shadow of the Red Baron

Originally released in 2009, Shadow of the Red Baron is the third album from Belgian power metal band Iron Mask. The band, which is led by guitarist Dushan Petrossi (Magic Kingdom) plays epic, neoclasically-minded power metal along the lines of Yngwie Malmsteen and Narnia.

Shadow of the Red Baron is a very strong album, combining the best elements of power metal and neoclassical metal. Petrossi’s blinding guitar work steals the show, but unlike a lot of shredders he seems to realize that songwriting means more than just stringing together guitar solos. Goetz Mohre’s strong, powerful vocals are the perfect balance to Petrossi’s guitar work. Oliver Hartmann (Avantasia, ex-At Vance) lends his pipes on “Dreams” and provides backing vocals throughout. The songs are heavy, powerful, very melodic and all share a common tone, even if Shadow of the Red Baron isn’t a concept album. They just feel like part of a stronger whole.

This is melodic power metal done really well. The guitar work alone will satisfy fans of Malmsteen and Impelliteri, while the songwriting and vocals ought to win over fans of power metal in general, and bands like Primal Fear, Masterplan and Allen-Lande. If that’s your kind of music, Iron Mask is a band you need to discover, and Shadow of the Red Baron is a great place to start.

Reissue Notes: Shadow of the Red Baron was reissued by AFM in 2016. The new version features rerecorded versions of “Fifth Son of Winterdoom” and “The Picture of Dorian Gray” with new singer Artur Almeida as bonus tracks. They’re neat additions, but probably not worth buying this twice if you already own the Lion pressing of the album.

Iron Mask