German band Luzifer was formed back in 2009, so it’s about time they finally released their debut album. However, they haven’t exactly been idle over the past thirteen years—they released a three-track EP in 2015 and a two-track single in 2018. The reason for the slow output is that Luzifer is a side project, as all three members are primarily active in Vulture. Unlike Vulture, which focuses on speed and thrash metal, Luzifer is dedicated to epic heavy metal.
Despite working within a well-trodden genre, Luzifer definitely does something right—their music sounds fresh and full of life. It’s as if they’ve reinvented the wheel, even though they’re using all the classic clichés. This works because they excel at crafting melodies and have a groove that is impossible to resist. Another key factor is the band’s ability to create an atmospheric and captivating sound. The vocal harmonies and use of organ contribute significantly to this distinct feel.
Luzifer is difficult to compare directly to other bands, as they’ve developed their own sonic identity. But if one were to try, they could be described as a bold fusion of Mercyful Fate, Deep Purple, and Thor. I personally prefer the English-language tracks, as the German lyrics can sound a bit odd. That said, they have their charm—Der goldene Reiter, for instance, comes across as almost comical.
Iron Shackles is absolutely worth checking out for fans of epic heavy metal, and I sincerely hope that the trio behind Luzifer makes the band more of a priority in the future.
Released March 25th, 2022 on High Roller Records.
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