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Inner Axis: We Live By Steel
Inner Axis - We Live By Steel Music Review

Inner Axis: We Live By Steel

Heavy/Power Metal
3.5/5.0

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Fastball Records
Released: 22.09.2018
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 19.09.2018

The last album edition of Germany's Inner Axis arrived with 2011's Into The Storm. Seven years is a long time in the music industry without a significant presence. Yet, in the same time, the band has made some appearances sharing the stage with metal peers such as Iced Earth, Enforcer, Paul DiAnno, Paragon, and Shadowbane. Now the Kiel-based band returns with something new, their second album, We Live By Steel.

Inner Axis Band Photo Click For Larger Image

Inner Axis

Or, perhaps better, something old, yet tried and true for the band. Inner Axis continues to play basic European power metal in the fine Teutonic tradition. Which also means you know exactly what your going to get within We Live By Steel. Flying the flag of "keep it true" heavy metal, Inner Axis offers songs with a galloping pace, twin guitar harmony, ripping guitar solos, a rhythm section with rock groove, and mostly straightforward metal vocals. Of all these things, the guitar work was the most impressive, especially the thrilling solos. Alternatively, while singing clean and mostly melodic, I found vocalist Kai Hagemann to be somewhat monotone and monotonous. Yet with his fellow mates, the vocal choral harmony was mighty fine. Additionally, as common with traditional power metal, there were more than a few songs with assertive gang vocals. Essentially, with these elements, this is the Inner Axis power metal formula for most songs. You'll find some nuances here and there. For instance, The Brave opens with a spoken introduction, and then moves more by heavy and steady metal, rather than gallop. Conversely, songs such as Blades Of Death, Storm Lords, and the short Rain Or Shine rip along at a brisk pace. Alternatively, with Hound Of Hell, Inner Axis mixes tempos and, in parts, offers a fine rock groove from the rhythm section.

Overall, with We Live By Steel, Inner Axis does not offer anything new or novel when it comes to power metal. Their formula is familiar, tried, and keep it true heavy/power metal. If you're a fan of the genre or the band, you will enjoy this album.



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The Bottom Line

With We Live By Steel, Inner Axis does not offer anything new or novel when it comes to power metal. Their formula is familiar, tried, and keep it true heavy/power metal. If you're a fan of the genre or the band, you will enjoy this album.

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