It’s definitely strange times when I agree, and am on the same page, with Iron Savior. Not that I actively dislike or have issue with the German power metal veterans, it’s just that they’re not my thing. Case closed. Simple as that. Where our Venn diagrams overlap, however, is in the mutual love of ‘80s pop/rock. And metallized covers of that decade’s hits and misses. So, when Iron Savior announced the March 27th release of their ‘80s covers album, Awesome Anthems of the Galaxy, I was as excited about it as many people weren’t. The first single from the 17 track record was their rendition of A-Ha’s “Take On Me,” the video of which you can view below and witness the band having the time of their lives and as much fun as allowable by law (especially drummer Patrick Klose!). In advance of the collection’s release, we’re running what I guess you’d call a visualiser stream of the entire thing; 17 videos of various descriptions followed by song-by-song commentary by guitarist/vocalist Piet Sielck, who was hopefully wearing leg warmers underneath his parachute pants when he shared his thoughts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries
Awesome Anthems of the Galaxy
“After the huge success of the 2002 Condition Red bonus track, Seal’s ‘Crazy’ (which was actually used in a HBO TV show) we had been asked by fans and media almost constantly to do a complete cover tracks album. So…two decades later here we are! Awesome Anthems of the Galaxy continues the transformation from pop to metal in Iron Savior style, starting with Seal’s ‘Crazy’ and Eurythmics’ ‘Sweet Dreams.’ We are absolutely proud of the outcome, which never loses the original vibe of the tracks, yet is 100% Iron Savior. Just listen yourself. I guarantee a lot of smiles while doing so!”
“Fame” (Original by Irene Cara)
“A timeless classic from the late ‘70s, if I’m not mistaken, which in my history books is something like the mother of all dance movies [the movie actually came out in May of 1980, so it can be assumed the theme song was written during production in the ‘70s —KSP]. The track was a bit challenging because of all the ‘70s funky stuff, especially in the guitars. Always loved the catchy chorus line, happy to have this classic on the album.”
“All I Need is a Miracle” (Original by Mike and the Mechanics)
“Even though it’s not the most well-known song by Mike and the Mechanics, this one is maybe the most special song on this album. When it came out, I was always stunned by the musical skills and performance of these outstanding artists. The melody and how it evolves throughout the song is simply amazing. The progression of the harmonies and how they blend together with the development of the melody is what makes this song so special. But besides this, it really grabbed my heart from the very first time I listened to it.”
“When the Rain Begins to Fall” (Original by Jermaine Jackson and Pia Zadora)
“Last year, my wife and I took a short vacation to our preferred place in Spain. The flight was an early one so we decided to get a taxi to get us to the airport at 5 AM. Sitting in this cab for whatever reason, fate decided to play, and ‘When The Rain Begins To Fall’ came on the radio. Even though it was just a short trip, of course I took all my equipment with me so once we arrived in Spain at our destination, I immediately started to record this one. I had already forgotten about the existence of this song, but listening to it on the radio, of course brought this one back to my mind, and I added it immediately to the list.”
“Maniac” (Original by Michael Sembello)
“I am aware that this is not the very first version of this song, but it just had to be on the album. Being a child of the ‘80s, of course I remember the video to it, where the protagonist rehearses for the final show. I think everybody in my age immediately sees the close-up of the dancing feet to the beat. Also, the guitar solo is outstanding and has been a challenge. I adapted most of the original, but added some Iron Savior metal-style stuff here and there. I just love this track and unless you haven’t seen the video check this out immediately…”
“Take On Me” (Original by A-Ha)
“‘Take On Me’ for sure is one of the most successful pop songs ever. So in the beginning it was more a ‘must’ than a ‘want.’ But during the process of transforming it, I started to love this version more and more. Today I am more than happy to have this classic on the album and I’m proud of the outcome!”
“Relax” (Original by Frankie Goes to Hollywood)
“Originally built on provocation and groove, ‘Relax’ is reborn as a driving, riff-heavy anthem that turns restraint into raw energy. ‘Relax’ is one of my all time favorite non-metal songs. It’s been on my mind for a very long time to do this and I really think this version serves the original well. We did a good job in transferring the vibe and the energy of the original into the Iron Savior cosmos.”
“What a Feeling” (Original by Irene Cara)
“This track is just loaded with positive energy, great melodies, so of course it’s a must have on this album that mainly focuses on the masterpieces of the ‘80s.”
“Against All Odds” (Original by Phil Collins)
“This was the first song I recorded for the album. So, it could be called the prototype where I actually tried it out if it would be possible for me to transform a mega-hit like this into a metal version. It started out with the idea to change the ballad groove into a slow stomping beat. I am proud of this song and I think Phil Collins if he ever listens to it would appreciate my work. I really like the guitar solo which is not happening in the original, but I think it adds a new vibe.”
“Separate Ways” (Original by Journey)
“A Journey classic which, is hard to believe, I did not know! When this song came out, I was listening to metal like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Motörhead and Saxon; definitely not Journey. Way too many keyboards, too little guitars, and all-in-all not metal enough for me. I was listening to pop songs, but Journey was something in between; it was not pop and it sure wasn’t metal. Anyways, during my research for songs, I stumbled over this one and put it on the list immediately. for me. It’s one of the best songs that Journey ever put out.”
“Suburbia” (Original by Pet Shop Boys)
“By the time I got to this one it was clear that the album would focus mainly on the ‘80s. And how could you do an album like this without a Pet Shop Boys song on it? ‘Suburbia’ is not really the greatest hit of the Pet Shop Boys, but for me, together with ‘It’s A Sin,’ it is the best song they ever put out. The chorus line melody is so extremely super catchy. I cannot put that into words.” [Laughs]
“Here Comes the Rain Again” (Original by Eurythmics)
“Since we already did a Eurythmics cover version a couple of years ago, it was obvious that we should do another big Eurythmics hit. ‘Here Comes The Rain Again’ was pretty much my first encounter with Annie Lennox. This one was quite challenging because the Eurythmics had a very special way of writing, producing, and performing. The metal transformation was not easy, but I think we succeeded quite well!”
“She’s Like the Wind” (Original by Patrick Swayze)
“Even though I actually never watched the movie Dirty Dancing, this song was all over the radio and it was just impossible to not listen to it. At this time I have been fed up a little bit with all the dance movies, but when I listened to it during the research for this album, I was surprised how much I actually like it nowadays. Again I decided to let go of the ballad beat and use that slow eighth beat.”
“(I Just) Died in Your Arms” (Original by Cutting Crew)
“It was a really big hit and one of the first songs that came on my mind for this album. A true melody, monster with an awesome choral line, great guitar and keyboard work. Sounds like this sound may be easy, but in fact, it is not. It’s the sum of all the tiny details, a small chord progression here, a little melody there, that makes the difference.”
“Forever Young” (Original by Alphaville)
When it came to picking the songs for Awesome Anthems, Alphaville’s “Forever Young” was one of the songs that almost popped up immediately. I think we did a very interesting yet powerful version of this all time classic with all the typical Iron Savior trademarks.
“Since You’ve Been Gone” (Original by Rainbow)
“Of course I own the original vinyl album, Down to Earth. A very special album for Rainbow, because it was the first album after the departure of Ronnie James Dio. Graham Bonnet did an excellent job on this album though Dio is just Dio. Some of you may know, that I am a huge Guardians of the Galaxy fan. Since this track is part of the soundtrack, I was forced by myself and my family to put this on the album.”
“Call Me” (Original by Blondie)
“Always loved Blondie as an artist, so I was determined to have a song from her on the album. ‘Call Me’ has been the one that appeared to be the best in terms of metal transformation. The chord progressions are already quite metal-like. In the beginning, I wasn’t sure if a Blondie track would work out and if it would be possible for me to sing it in an appropriate way, but I think it worked out really nice. Love this one!”
“Catch Me I’m Falling” (Original by Real Life)
“If I remember correctly, Real Life only had two big hits. But even though ‘Send Me an Angel’ has been the more successful song, I always liked this one better. The up-time tempo at the great chorus melody does the job on this one for me, especially in the end when the chorus gets altered.”
