IronWrath is a Cinematic Heavy Metal band from Southern California(So. Cal) that formed back in 1988. IronWrath plays Modern Heavy Metal seasoned with 80's touches and lightly dusted with Industrial elements. Their sound draws influence from bands like Metallica, Linkin Park, Killswitch Engage along with a touch of Tool, Rob Zombie, Nine Inch Nails and Peter Gabriel. The band describes listening to their arrangements as an "Alice in Wonderland" experience down the rabbit hole of imagination!
IronWrath is deeply ingrained in filmmaking as part of its branding and vision. Their focus is to combine Cinema with Metal. They accomplish this goal through their creative theatrical music videos, powerhouse performances, and stadium-style Metal. IronWrath focuses on composing high-octane Metal designed for music placement in Film, streaming platforms, and Major Sporting & Entertainment events.
IronWrath is deeply ingrained in filmmaking as part of its branding and vision. Their focus is to combine Cinema with Metal. They accomplish this goal through their creative theatrical music videos, powerhouse performances, and stadium-style Metal. IronWrath focuses on composing high-octane Metal designed for music placement in Film, streaming platforms, and Major Sporting & Entertainment events.
In 1989 IronWrath recorded an independent self-titled 4-track demo on cassette format. The band's 89' demo included 1.The Stranger 2.Minors 3.Solitary 4.Crossroads. The line-up for this project was comprised of vocalist/rhythm guitarist-Steve Bell, lead guitarist-Sean Silas, bassist-Randall Wrath, and drummer-C.G. Ryche. If their song “The Stranger” looks familiar, that's because it was featured on the 1989 'Underground Metal 2' compilation album. After the release of IronWrath's 4-track demo, the band went on an extended hiatus with all members going their separate ways. After disbanding, IronWrath members found other bands to continue performing with in order to continue their music careers.
In 2018, after a near 30-year hiatus, IronWrath reunited & returned to the music scene to begin work on material for a full-length album.
In 2023 IronWrath released their debut full-length studio album titled 'Master Storyteller' on the band's own label Mystic Water Records. 'Master Storyteller' was produced & arranged by C.G. Ryche. The recording was mixed in house by band members - C.G. Ryche, Sean Silas, and Steve Bell. With the release of 'Master Storyteller', IronWrath does a good job of fusing together the 80's, 90's, and modern Hard Rock elements. With their ability to fuse such eras in time together, the band bridges the generation gap and appeals to a much broader range of Hard Rock & Metal fans. In the band's arrangements, there's everything from in-your-face vocals to driving guitars to Industrial guitars & Industrial quirkiness to big choruses to Def Leppard style percussion mixed with tribal drumming to Arena Rock elements to modern day twists and turns. From track to track the listener will find that each song is different from the one before making it hard to pigeonhole the band into one specific genre.
With the release of 'Master Storyteller,' the band's original line-up saw a couple of position changes worth mentioning. The first change came by way of the original vocalist-Steve Bell who moved away from the frontman position to focus on rhythm guitars. Vocalist-Anton Petrenko was then brought on as the band's new lead vocalist. The other position change came by way of original bassist-Randall Wrath being replaced by bassist-Johnny Blackout. IronWrath's full-roster for this 2023 release is comprised of lead vocalist-Anton Petrenko(Hard Rockers Band/Washing Ton), lead & rhythm guitarist-Sean Silas(Freewill/Lithium X), rhythm guitarist & BGV-Steve Bell(Freewill/Holy Right), bassist-Johnny Blackout(HOTWIRED), and drummer-C.G. Ryche(Holy Right/Ambrosia).
On this project there are a number of tracks that stand out including track-2 "Master Storyteller", track-3 "Legends Never Die", track-5 "Thy Shall Return", track-6 "God's Gonna Cut You Down", track-7 "Freedom", track-8 "I'm Alive", track-9 "Bed of Lies", track-10 "The Best Part of Me", track-11 "Masquerade", track-12 "Imagine a World".
The full track-list for 'Master Storyteller' includes 1.One 2.Master Storyteller 3.Legends Never Die 4.Tyranny
5.Thy Shall Return 6.God's Gonna Cut You Down 7.Freedom 8.I'm Alive 9.Bed of Lies 10.The Best Part of Me
11.Masquerade 12.Imagine a World 13.Death March.
With the release of 'Master Storyteller,' the band's original line-up saw a couple of position changes worth mentioning. The first change came by way of the original vocalist-Steve Bell who moved away from the frontman position to focus on rhythm guitars. Vocalist-Anton Petrenko was then brought on as the band's new lead vocalist. The other position change came by way of original bassist-Randall Wrath being replaced by bassist-Johnny Blackout. IronWrath's full-roster for this 2023 release is comprised of lead vocalist-Anton Petrenko(Hard Rockers Band/Washing Ton), lead & rhythm guitarist-Sean Silas(Freewill/Lithium X), rhythm guitarist & BGV-Steve Bell(Freewill/Holy Right), bassist-Johnny Blackout(HOTWIRED), and drummer-C.G. Ryche(Holy Right/Ambrosia).
On this project there are a number of tracks that stand out including track-2 "Master Storyteller", track-3 "Legends Never Die", track-5 "Thy Shall Return", track-6 "God's Gonna Cut You Down", track-7 "Freedom", track-8 "I'm Alive", track-9 "Bed of Lies", track-10 "The Best Part of Me", track-11 "Masquerade", track-12 "Imagine a World".
The full track-list for 'Master Storyteller' includes 1.One 2.Master Storyteller 3.Legends Never Die 4.Tyranny
5.Thy Shall Return 6.God's Gonna Cut You Down 7.Freedom 8.I'm Alive 9.Bed of Lies 10.The Best Part of Me
11.Masquerade 12.Imagine a World 13.Death March.
Frontman-Anton Petrenko was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine and was raised in a family of aritists so it was only natural for him to follow in the same path of entertainment. At age 7, he attended music school, and in 1995 he began to play the guitar in the school ensemble - 'CHANCE', where he first sparked a passion for singing. Anton was Inspired by the band 'Scorpions,' and quickly realized that Heavy Metal would play a huge role in his life. In 2004, Anton graduated from the 'School of Culture' with a degree in - Orchestration of Folk Instruments. He continued building a solid reputation as he fronted bands like 'Эверест', 'Линия Фронта' and the 'Hard Rockers Band'. In 2011 Anton founded 'Доктор Клей' which turned out to be the most successful Ukrainian Rock band in the country. Доктор Клей's sophomore album 'The Time Has Come', was a milestone for the band due to it featuring lead vocals in English. In 2014, with various situations arising in Ukraine causing instability, Anton and his family moved to Israel. It was there, in Tel Aviv, that Anton joined the well-known band 'Washing Ton' as their lead vocalist. It wasn't until 2020 that he would finally fulfill his lifelong dream of coming to America. Anton landed in California where he joined many different bands in the Hollywood area with no success before catching the attention of the band IronWrath.
The string section is comprised of rhythm guitarist-Steve Bell(Freewill/Holy Right), lead & rhythm shredder-Sean Silas(Freewill/Lithium X), and bassist-Johnny Blackout(HOTWIRED). The guitar play throughout this 2023 release has a relative modern-day fill to it while combining shred from the 80's Arena Rock era to the 90's Industrial scene. Seasoned shredder-Sean Silas takes lead for the band and shows his prowess throughout with some sick guitar solos that vary from track to track helping to make this a solid project.
The bass work by Johnny Blackout stands out on this album and is not lost in the mix. Johnny's bass work plays a big part here in helping to keep the arrangements heavy along with adding a nice element of funk.
The bass work by Johnny Blackout stands out on this album and is not lost in the mix. Johnny's bass work plays a big part here in helping to keep the arrangements heavy along with adding a nice element of funk.
C.G. Ryche(Holy Right/Ambrosia) has been in the industry for over three decades, widely known for his artistry as a world-class multi-percussionist. On this project, Ryche brings the "thunder" for the band with his heavy percussion work. From beginning to end, Ryche delivers up everything from Arena Rock styles to bombastic blast-beats to tribal beats. This tribal approach to his Heavy Metal drumming gives the band's arrangements a more primal sound. Ryche's tribal drum techniques come from his extensive knowledge of Brazilian, African, & Afro-Cuban drum playing styles.
Lyrics are Christ centered and evangelical as one can see in the following excerpts:
(C.G. Ryche is the band's primary lyricist & one of the main songwriters for IronWrath)
(C.G. Ryche is the band's primary lyricist & one of the main songwriters for IronWrath)
"Master Storyteller"
(Lyrics by C.G. Ryche)
I… I see it in your eyes.
Blind... blind to all their lies
You wander in circles in vein, beneath the sky
Wanting and chasing the wind… till the day you die…
BGV: Day You Die!
Master Storyteller, Teach me who I am
Master Storyteller, Save me from the damned!
War… the battle has begun, yeah!
Life… is through the Son
I told you the future from past, beyond the bliss… the bliss!
The crossroads of judgment and love have come down to this!
BGV: Down to This!
"Thy Shall Return"
(Lyrics by C.G. Ryche)
Thy Shall Return… the blood upon your calloused hands,
Is a love that can’t be earned.
Thy Shall Return… You sacrificed Your Life . . .
You’re the Savior of the world!
Faded paths and fallen stars,
A tainted past with open scars…
Hope becomes a ship a far… across the sea…
You and I, can see this through,
Above the storm are skies of blue…
God’s made a way for you… and me!
"God's Gonna Cut You Down"
(Lyrics by Johnny Cash)
...I've been down on bended knee
Talkin' to the man from Galilee
He spoke to me in the voice so sweet
I thought I heard the shuffle of the angel's feet
He called my name, and my heart stood still
When he said, "John, go do my will!"
Go tell that long tongue liar
Go and tell that midnight rider
Tell the rambler, the gambler, the backbiter
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
…Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
You can run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Sooner or later, God'll cut you down
"Freedom"
(Lyrics by C.G. Ryche)
The journey through life, love, and strife…
Will be lost without the Hope that’s to come.
So come take my hand, and we’ll stand,
In the Victory of the Son… Freedom
We live our lives like a carousel, falling asleep to the rebel’s yell
With haughty eyes and perishable things, Ignoring time and the winds of change
But there’s a hope that lies beyond the grave, a gift from God and worthy of praise
So trust in Him, and take His hand, and I’ll see you in the promised land
"Bed Of Lies"
(Lyrics by C.G. Ryche)
I sit in the corner. I wait here alone.
I’m watching the world from my telephone.
Damaged and hurt, ravaged by hate
Brainwashed as sheep, as they’re led to their fate
The world has lost its way…
And the cost of our sins will be the price we pay.
We reap what you sow… As we fight for our lives.
Yeah, neglect what you owe… Now we’re paying the price.
Have a cigar while you destroy our lives…
Laying in a bed of lies
"Death March"
(Lyrics by C.G. Ryche)
I can see the promised land, yea!
Prophecies of God’s plan, yea!
Given us, the Holy land, yea!
He has not forgotten us!
(Lyrics by C.G. Ryche)
I… I see it in your eyes.
Blind... blind to all their lies
You wander in circles in vein, beneath the sky
Wanting and chasing the wind… till the day you die…
BGV: Day You Die!
Master Storyteller, Teach me who I am
Master Storyteller, Save me from the damned!
War… the battle has begun, yeah!
Life… is through the Son
I told you the future from past, beyond the bliss… the bliss!
The crossroads of judgment and love have come down to this!
BGV: Down to This!
"Thy Shall Return"
(Lyrics by C.G. Ryche)
Thy Shall Return… the blood upon your calloused hands,
Is a love that can’t be earned.
Thy Shall Return… You sacrificed Your Life . . .
You’re the Savior of the world!
Faded paths and fallen stars,
A tainted past with open scars…
Hope becomes a ship a far… across the sea…
You and I, can see this through,
Above the storm are skies of blue…
God’s made a way for you… and me!
"God's Gonna Cut You Down"
(Lyrics by Johnny Cash)
...I've been down on bended knee
Talkin' to the man from Galilee
He spoke to me in the voice so sweet
I thought I heard the shuffle of the angel's feet
He called my name, and my heart stood still
When he said, "John, go do my will!"
Go tell that long tongue liar
Go and tell that midnight rider
Tell the rambler, the gambler, the backbiter
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
…Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
You can run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Sooner or later, God'll cut you down
"Freedom"
(Lyrics by C.G. Ryche)
The journey through life, love, and strife…
Will be lost without the Hope that’s to come.
So come take my hand, and we’ll stand,
In the Victory of the Son… Freedom
We live our lives like a carousel, falling asleep to the rebel’s yell
With haughty eyes and perishable things, Ignoring time and the winds of change
But there’s a hope that lies beyond the grave, a gift from God and worthy of praise
So trust in Him, and take His hand, and I’ll see you in the promised land
"Bed Of Lies"
(Lyrics by C.G. Ryche)
I sit in the corner. I wait here alone.
I’m watching the world from my telephone.
Damaged and hurt, ravaged by hate
Brainwashed as sheep, as they’re led to their fate
The world has lost its way…
And the cost of our sins will be the price we pay.
We reap what you sow… As we fight for our lives.
Yeah, neglect what you owe… Now we’re paying the price.
Have a cigar while you destroy our lives…
Laying in a bed of lies
"Death March"
(Lyrics by C.G. Ryche)
I can see the promised land, yea!
Prophecies of God’s plan, yea!
Given us, the Holy land, yea!
He has not forgotten us!
I can see 'Master Storyteller' appealing to a broad range of Rock & Metal fans around the world. This is one of those records that once you spin it you will just keep hittin' repeat as you slip down the rabbit hole. This is a solid offering from the band that will make a nice addition to any Metalhead's collection. This one will have you coming back for more with all its hooks and time changes. Help support IronWrath and Christian Metal music by picking up your copy of 'Master Storteller' today! Also, don't forget to check out the interview I had with the band.
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Anton Petrenko(Hard Rockers Band/Washing Ton) - Lead Vocals
Sean Silas(Freewill/Lithium X) - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Steve Bell(Freewill/Holy Right) - Rhythm Guitars, BGV
Johnny Blackout(HOTWIRED) - Bass
C.G. Ryche(Holy Right/Ambrosia) - Drums
Guest Musicians:
Rudiger - Vocals on track-10 "The Best Part of Me"
Jeffrey Bryan(Survivor) - Keyboards
Anton Petrenko(Hard Rockers Band/Washing Ton) - Lead Vocals
Sean Silas(Freewill/Lithium X) - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Steve Bell(Freewill/Holy Right) - Rhythm Guitars, BGV
Johnny Blackout(HOTWIRED) - Bass
C.G. Ryche(Holy Right/Ambrosia) - Drums
Guest Musicians:
Rudiger - Vocals on track-10 "The Best Part of Me"
Jeffrey Bryan(Survivor) - Keyboards