As a genre, hardcore is having a serious moment right now. Bands like Turnstile and SPEED are pushing boundaries and bringing a raw intensity to global stages, shining a newfound spotlight on a genre that’s long thrived in the underground. With over twenty years in the game, Melbourne hardcore veterans Iron Mind have returned with their third studio album, Test Of The Iron Mind– a punchy, 22-minute offering that fuses their hardcore roots with shades of Aussie rock and metal. It’s a tight, ferocious listen and doesn’t waste a second.
The album opens with a spoken-word track, setting the tone lyrically and emotionally. “No more pain, ha- not likely. Seems this life is one painful moment after another,” it declares with such incredible emotion, building up into a satisfying yell before launching into “More Pain”. The riffs lean metal, and while it’s more melodic than expected I don’t feel that it fully sticks the landing- less catchy, but high in energy. “How You Get Down” is an early standout track, weaving classic Aussie rock into metal breakdowns that feel destined for a sweaty mosh pit. “Terrified”, while solid, doesn’t really break new ground, but it’s tight and effective.
Things pick up with “Dog Will Hunt”, injecting some variety into the mix. The tempo-shift and stripped-back chant in the bridge give this one some breathing room. “No Fate” brings a grittier tone with slightly more restrained vocals, and fades out at the end, which really sets it apart in a record full of abrupt finishes. The title track, “Test of the Iron Mind”, doesn’t quite hit as hard as I’d hoped, but “Paid In Full” makes up for it with a longer, more dynamic intro and varied instrumentation that adds a bit of depth to the album’s mid-section.
As the record nears an end, “Eye To Eye” lands without much to say- it’s not bad, just a bit forgettable. “The Crucible” stands out with its slower build, more deliberate pacing and a vocal delivery that borders on a drawl, making it one of the more engaging listens. “Solitary Realm” closes the record and it’s a fiery, energetic send-off, though it peaks a little too early and rides that intensity without much variation.
Test Of The Iron Mind is a passionate release from a band who clearly still have a lot to say. The production is crisp, the lyrics are introspective and desperate in the best way and the vocal delivery bridges that gap between Aussie rock grit and hardcore punch. While some tracks blur together and a little more experimentation wouldn’t hurt, this record delivers exactly what Iron Mind promises- raw, fast and furious hardcore with an unmistakable local flavour.
THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Test Of The Iron Mind from Iron Mind is out now – grab a copy HERE. The band is about to head out on tour – head HERE for all the dates.
Photo credit: Zac Vinko
