I must admit that I’ve been waiting impatiently for this release, since I have always had a soft spot for this band, particularly their memorable ‘Hellish Crossfire’ debut, which to this day is one of the most important Speed ​​Metal albums of all time. When Dirk reactivated Iron Angel, I was extremely happy about it, especially that I have never been able to see this band live before. Now that they have released a new album and keep doing a lot of gigs recently, there’s a chance for my dream come true and IRON ANGEL finally visits Poland. But let's leave concerts aside and focus on their new work called ‘Hellbound’. Before the album was released, I was given a few premiere numbers and I knew that the band takes this return very seriously. I’m also happy the band has returned in a classic style with no innovative oddities and pure clear production. ‘Hellbound’ is a tip of the hat to the oldschool fans. This is the development of their two previous works, a perfect return to the roots of Heavy/Speed. I am extremely proud that I managed to create a cover for this record. None of 10 pieces included there is a filler, all of them are real Speed ​​metal madness. Dirk's vocals didn’t lose their power, I cannot imagine IRON ANGEL without his charismatic voice. I have the impression that the current IRON ANGEL line-up is extremely strong. Again, you can feel their true joy of playing, passion, and true love for old school metal. I’m not shitting you, these gentlemen feel it like hardly anyone, it's the air that they breathe. There is so much positive energy that makes it so nice to listen to. ‘Hellbound’ content gave me a lot of joy. I hope that this work conquers many metal hearts, especially those who grew up on the classic works of IRON ANGEL, but also the young generation of metalheads, who thanks to ‘Hellbound’ would reach for the earlier works of this great band. Perfectly full of imaginative compositions with sizzling guitar parts and a totally dynamic rhythm section that gives the music a remarkable catchiness. Set of thrilling high-energy tracks with extreme firepower. You just listen to it with your jaw dropped. I haven’t heard such a good Speed ​​metal album for a long time. Numbers such as ‘Writing's on The Wall’, ‘Carnivore Flashmob’, ‘Blood and Lether’ or even the title ‘Hellbound’, no doubt have a great chance to become timeless classics of the genre. Moreover, these are not the only numbers on this album that can kick your ass big time. There are no poor tracks, the record is coherent, full of power, and at the same time it is extremely catchy. Each of these songs stays with you for long. I wish there were more returns like this one.

Leszek Wojnicz-Sianożęcki