Iron Mask, the solo project of Dushan Petrossi (Magic Kingdom), is back with a new line-up. This time Goetz 'Valhalla Jr.' Mohre contributes some great vocal performances. Furthermore, Oliver Hartmann (ex-At Vance, numerous contributions including Avantasia, Genius Rock Opera and Rhapsody to name a few) is featured on three tracks. Otherwise the line-up on this album features the neo-classical keyboard virtuoso Richard Andersson amongst the solid rhythm section of Magic Kingdom: Vassili Moltchanov and Anton Arkhipov.

Dushan Petrossi isn't ashamed that neo-classical metal has deeply rooted in his heart and mind. He really doesn't care if his music isn't that original and fashionable. He's only being true to his heart and the way he hears music, and thus the music on this album is neo-classical metal. Actually Iron Mask's Hordes of the Brave is musically one of the best neo-classical metal albums I've heard in a while. There are some great vocal performances on this album (especially by Oliver Hartmann, whose debut solo album will be released in April 25th, 2005).

Production-wise something isn't right... usually when I see Mika Jussila's name I assume the album has a good (if not great) production. However, on Hordes of the Brave distortion is scattered throughout the album (it occurs especially on the guitar solos). It's a shame, since otherwise the sounds on this album are quite to the point. Fortunately Mika Jussila has been able to slightly soften the distortion every now and then, and thus the album remains rather pleasant to listen (if one doesn't pay too much attention to the occasional distortion). However, listening with quality headphones isn't recommended at all since they are more ruthless than studio monitors for example.

Great singers, catchy melodies and epic tales... that's what "Hordes of the Brave" is all about. In case you can tolerate occasional distortion on guitar solos and you're a sucker for neo-classical metal, be sure to give Dushan Petrossi's Iron Mask a listen.

Release date: April 22nd, 2005

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- MAGE (April 21st, 2005)

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LINE-UP:
Petrossi, Dushan: Guitars Mohre, Goetz 'Valhalla Jr.': Vocals Andersson, Richard: Keyboards Moltchanov, Vassili: Bass Arkhipov, Anton: Drums with Hartmann, Oliver: Vocals on Tracks 4, 8 & 9
Producer:	Unavailable
Mixing by:	Chesneau, Didier
Mastering by:	Jussila, Mika

	TRACKLIST:
	01. Holy War 02. Freedom's Blood - The Patriot 03. Time 04. The Invisible Empire 05. Demon's Child 06. High in the Sky 07. Alexander the Great - Hordes of the Brave (Part One) 08. Crystal Tears 09. Iced Wind of the North 10. My Eternal Flame 11. Troops of Avalon Length: 59:30