Perhaps it is the power of the riffs that makes me think of the movie Conan the Barbarian when I listen to Iron Mountain by Bonehawk. Conan’s father says “The secret of steel has always carried with it a mystery. You must learn its riddle, Conan. You must learn its discipline. For no one – no one in this world can you trust. Not men, not women, not beasts…” [Points to sword] “This you can trust.” When it comes to monumental rock music, you can trust Bonehawk to deliver. Iron Mountain is an Olympian peak of epic rock riffs.
Iron Mountain is Bonehawk’s sophomore release following up to the fuzz-rock fury of Albino Rhino in 2014. This album has been a long time coming and the band’s makeup has endured some changes. Original vocalist/guitarist Matt Helt is joined by drummer Nate Cohn and bassist Matt Smith. While original lead guitarist Chat Houts recorded on Iron Mountain, he has since left the band. Guitarist Cam Mammina has moved in to fill the vacancy.
Kicking off Iron Mountain is the song “Mongrel”. This is a big and burly tune rich with thunderous power chords, twin guitar single note riffs, hammering drums, and punchy bass. “Summit Fever” radiates with a pulsing groove generated by wah-fueled guitars riding upon a beefy bass and rolling drums. The chugging rhythm of “Thunder Child” sets up some sweet dual guitar riffs that rock hard thanks to the excellent beefy bass.
While I thought the first Bonehawk album was good, Iron Mountain is stellar. The songwriting is more nuanced. Bonehawk are stretching out from standard feel-good rock riffs into more interesting vistas. Another key element that makes Iron Mountain a keeper is the production. The guitars are heavy without getting lost in a fog of fuzz. This lets the fantastic bass guitar riffs rise to the top. The drums are spacious and fill out the songs. The overall balancing of vocals with the instruments allows each song to shine.
The title track from Iron Mountain demonstrates how Bonehawk are evolving. This song charges out with stomping chords then drifts into a psychedelic haze. The reverbed guitars in the verse suggest a film noir, while the bass lulls you. Just as you start to sink into the glide, the stomping chorus returns to shake your soul.
One of the best songs on Iron Mountain has to be “Lake In The Clouds”. The doom-paced tune ripples with heaviness and the dazzling clarity of an acid dream. Close your eyes and feel the clouds lumbering across the sky in a grand celestial parade. The ending sounds of the north woods puts your mind into this special place.
Iron Mountain by Bonehawk is a muscular riff machine running wild and free. With a glancing eye back to the legends such as Thin Lizzy and UFO, Bonehawk transcends the genre of stoner rock. Iron Mountain is a testament to the power of heavy riffs welded together with sharp songwriting. Whether hanging with friends enjoying a brew or heading out on the highway, Iron Mountain by Bonehawk is your soundtrack to rock.