Ironsword is a heavy metal band from Portugal and started out in early 1995 as a one man band in the vein of Manilla Road, Omen and Iron Maiden. After recording and spreading a 15-minute promo tape, founder Tann found out that his promo was highly welcomed. Even though the mid-nineties were known for their almost anti-metal attitude, Ironsword was considered as the best true heavy metal band in Portugal.

Tann and Ironsword didn’t have luck singing for a label. They almost signed a contract with a German underground label, but at the last moment the contract got cancelled. In late 1997 Tann recorded a new promo tape with the help of drummer Ricardo “Hammer”. But, despite the astonishing reviews the record labels played the same game as the German underground label did.

After a little while Ironsword found a label, England based Miskatonic Foundation. So the band finally had the resources to enter the studio and record their self-titled debut. The album was received very well and received great reviews.

Immediately after the release of their first album, the band started to write new material. But again: misfortune; bassist Victor and drummer Ricardo decided to leave the band due to lack of time. Fortunately, after a couple of months Tann found two new members and with the two new members aboard of the Ironsword ship, they entered they studio to record Return Of The Warrior.

After a lot of spins I can tell you that Return Of The Warrior is a good album. It has that typical heavy metal touch, but still its sound is different. I think it is the vocals; they’re not the standard high-pitched heavy metal screams, they sound barbaric. But then again, Ironsword plays ‘barbaric metal’. I think that is the correct name for their music, yeah. As I already mentioned, musically it’s comparable to Iron Maiden and Manilla Road. Combine that with the barbaric vocals of Tann and you’ve got Ironsword. Be sure to check it out!