The German heavy metal scumbags that are Inner Axis recently released this ten-track effort of theirs entitled "We Live by the Steel" (which sounds like something Manowar might have come up with!) via Fastball Music and we are talking about pure heavy metal inspired by Accept, Iron Maiden, Manowar, and Judas Priest here. Actually, it also brings to mind some of Paul Di’Anno’s early solo releases at times.

 

Anyway, Inner Axis utilize catchy, no-frills riffs that go straight for the throat while the pounding drums and rumbling bass lock in rather nicely and provide the music with a solid and tight rhythm section. So far, so good. However, the vocals lack passion and intensity. It is not that they are downright terrible or anything like that, but they sound half-hearted and unimaginative, almost as if they are devoid of any emotion and intensity.

 

There is nothing wrong with the musicianship or the production for that matter, but the shortcomings of the vocals are fucking annoying. The band is certainly capable of crafting some good and entertaining songs (although some of them tend to sound a bit one-dimensional at times), but they have a long way to go if they are to carve out an identity and niche of their own.

There is nothing new or original to what these guys do, but if you are a sucker for traditional heavy metal, power metal, and the likes, then perhaps "We Live by the Steel" will appeal to you, but keep in mind that there are way better alternatives out there. Like I said, it is not without its merits and some of the epic passages that creep in from time to time sound pretty good not to mention that "Red Dead" is a killer track, but the album as a whole is one of those releases that is quickly forgotten.

 

https://www.facebook.com/InnerAxis/