THE FERRYMEN – Iron Will

RELEASE YEAR: 2025
BAND URL: https://www.facebook.com/TheFerrymenofficial/

The Ferrymen impressed me greatly when they released their One More River to Cross opus from 2022, and with a line-up that is comprised of nothing but pure talent and skill in the shape of multi-instrumentalist and producer Magnus Karlsson, singer Ronnie Romero, and drummer Mike Terrana, that was arguably not surprising as such.

Things are off to a flying start and three of the record’s six best and most memorable compositions appear at the very beginning, namely “Chokehold,” “Mother Unholy,” and the epic title track. From that point on, we are treated to what is essentially an uneven piece of work in terms of quality and cohesion, and the three gentlemen struggle to maintain their momentum until the disc reaches its denouement in the shape of the all-accessible and incredibly catchy “You’re the Joker.” Another couple of robust songs that turn up towards the end are “The Darkness That Divides” and “Mind Games,” but there are too many entries on the album that offer very little to get excited about and which, although superbly played and impeccably produced, fail to leave a lasting impression. Roughly half the material that is on display here is quickly forgotten, which is a damn shame knowing just how good this band is when they bring their A-game and lock into a thunderous groove. There are many interesting layers to the arrangements and the use of keyboards and choirs and whatnot is commendable, but it comes across as a half-baked affair in the overall perspective.

Iron Will does not reach any dizzying heights, and despite a handful of atmospheric tunes that deliver pomp and power, the remaining half is less interesting. Had this been an EP then it would have worked like a charm. Fans of majestic-sounding heavy metal with a symphonic edge to it might consider giving the LP a spin, but you would be better off with their previous output.