Dushan signed with Lion Music in early 2002 to record a side project Iron Mask. The band’s name and some songs of the album are also based on the famous book ‘The man in the Iron Mask’ by Alexander Dumas. Great melodic power metal music is what you will get from this band, Dushan’s guitar playing is influenced by a lot of different musicians and composers like Handel, Verdi, Paganini, Mozart. This album was titled 'Revenge Is My Name'.
The opening song of the album ‘Enemy Brother’ is Handel‘s Overture arranged for electric guitar by Dushan, recorded with a real string section. Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Romeo, Michael Schenker and Gary Moore are Dushan’s electric influences.
Dushan‘s got his own style of playing and to compose music is what he likes most mixing his influences to create his own universe which combine melody, energy, fantasy, virtuosity, epic lyrics and incredibly fast soloing, he’s one of the best guitar player of the new generation. Bass was recorded by Vassili Moltchanov (also in Magic Kingdom), who played with the famous Russian band Master in the 80’s . The vocals were recorded by Phil Letaw (ex-Cryme), a perfect mix between Dio and Mark Boals. Keyboards recorded by virtuoso Youri Degroote. If you like good catchy metal songs with a shred attitude then The Man In The Iron Mask is for you.
Dushan then set about recording the Scorpions track 'Yellow Raven' for Lion Music's Uli Jon Roth tribute Beyond Inspiration as well as recording a inspired interpretation of the Rainbow classic Gates Of Babylon for Lion Music's' Ritchie Blackmore tribute Blackmore's Castle I.
Iron Mask then returned in April 2005 back stronger than ever with a truly great new album and line up on Hordes Of The Brave. The album combines majestic arrangements with mind blowing power throughout the 11 tracks on offer - all penned by Dushan Petrossi.
New vocalist Goetz ‘Valhalla Jr’ Mohre contributes incredible vocals reminiscent of Graham Bonnet or David Coverdale with Bruce Dickinson-esque touches. This unique voice combines the finest melodic qualities with an aggressive delivery. Guest vocalist Oliver Hartmann (ex-At Vance) adds vocals to 3 tracks: The Invisible Empire, Crystal Tears and Iced Wind Of The North (a duet with Mohre).
After a successful collaboration on the 2nd Magic Kingdom album (Metallic Tragedy), Dushan just had to work with Hartmann again due to their similar influences. The recording of the lead and backing vocals as well as the epic choir arrangements were done at Hartmann’s ‘Alive Studio’ in Germany. The music was recorded in Brussels throughout 2003 and the first half of 2004 (in ‘Iron Kingdom’ studio, and ‘Galasse’ studio). On the performances of Mohre and Hartmann Petrossi comments, “These two great metal singers contributed the right feeling and performances for these melodies, which are the best and catchiest I have wrote to date - destined to become live anthems”.
The metal scene’s hottest keyboardist Richard Andersson (Majestic, Time Requiem, Space Odyssey) is responsible for all the keyboards solos on ‘Hordes Of The Brave’. Andersson immediately accepted the job after hearing the material and contributed speedy, symphonic, classy yet melodic neo-classically-inspired work. The matching of Petrossi and Andersson has produced one of the finest pairings in neo-classical history, along with some of the most awesome fast, furious yet melodic soloing duels heard to date.
For the rhythm section Petrossi relied upon the rock solid rhythm section of Magic Kingdom. Vassili Moltchanov (one of the most respected bassists in Belgium) and Russian drummer Anton Arkhipov (famous for his work in thrash band Exhumator) deliver breathtaking technique and energy. In addition Anton studied at the Musical Academy in Minsk and possesses a good strength at orchestral arrangements.
The title ‘Hordes Of The Brave’ is a tribute to Alexander The Great, one of the greatest conquerors and warriors of all time. Despite being an arrogant and ambitious character he was full of respect for the lands he invaded and their people’s rights and races. As with ‘The Man In The Iron Mask’ an epic story has influenced Petrossi’s lyrics and music.
Didier Chesneau at ‘Melody Studios’ in Paris mixed ‘Hordes Of The Brave’ during August 2004 delivering a sound that is both loud and clear. Mika Jussila mastered the album at the famous ‘Finnvox’ studio in Finland. The album artwork is by Leo Hao (Blind Guardian, Magic Kingdom, Iced Earth, Nocturnal rites) an artist from Moscow.
‘Hordes Of The Brave’ is a marked contrast to Dushan’s other releases in that there are no instrumental tracks - only good old epic hard rock with excellent singers. Music fans can expect a lot of melody, baroque and a few progressive influences. Simply ‘Hordes Of The Brave’ is great song writing and 6 exceptional musicians – nothing more, nothing less.
On the subject of the music Petrossi says, “I’m doing the music I love and I don’t care about what’s in fashion or nu metal shit. Nor what’s original or not in the metal scene. Neo-Classical Metal has been deeply rooted in my heart and mind for years, so when I’m composing new material I do not think – “This is sounding like Yngwie or whoever; better put it in the trash”. I never do that because this music is being true to my heart and it’s the way I hear music”.
Lineup
Current lineup:
Dushan Petrossi - guitars, composing & songwriting
Mike Slembrouck - vocals
Vassili Moltchanov - bass
Ramy Ali - drums
Former & guest members:
Mark Boals - vocals (2010-2014)
Goetz "Valhalla Jr." Mohr - vocals
Roma Siadletski - extreme vocals and backing vocals
Carsten "Lizard" Schulz - vocals (live)
Göran Edman - vocals (Track 10 of Black as Death)
Oliver Hartmann - vocals (2009-2010)
Marcos Rodriguez - vocals (live)
Fil Letow - vocals
Diego Valdez - vocals
Richard Andersson - keyboards (2003-2005)
Mats Olausson - keyboards (2011-2015, his death)
Andreas Lindhal - keyboards
Phil Giordana - keyboards (live)
Erik Stout - drums
Anton Arkhipov - drums (Exhumator, Magic Kingdom)
Discography
* Revenge is my Name (2004)
* Hordes of the Brave (2005)
* Shadow Of The Red Baron (2009)
*Black as Death (2011)
*Fifth Son of Winterdoom (2013)
*Diabolica (2016)
*Master of Masters (2020)
Black Devil Ship
Iron Mask Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rain comes down, night close at hand
Mariners, unsaved souls
Caught between hull, spars, and bolts
Due south or north, east and west
On searching the way to ol' Davy's own chest
Oceans deep, bottomless pits
Blood red moon, star sea skies
Bowknot tied the pirate flag flies
Due south or north, east and west
On searching the way to ol' Davy's own chest
From the mastheads to keel
She's a vessel surreal
It's one hell of a trip
On the black devil ship, aye!
From the mastheads to keel
She's a vessel surreal
It's one hell of a trip
On the black devil ship
From the mastheads to keel
She's a vessel surreal
It's one hell of a trip
On the black devil ship, aye!
Aye!
The lyrics of Iron Mask's song "Black Devil Ship" paint a vivid picture of a ship lost at sea in the midst of a storm. The sailors aboard the vessel are described as "unsaved souls" caught between the various components of the ship's structure. The tone is dark and foreboding, with references to "bottomless pits" and a "blood red moon" contrasting with the image of the pirate flag flying defiantly in the wind.
The theme of the song seems to be one of adventure and danger on the high seas, with the sailors searching for treasure and battling the elements. The ship itself is depicted as "surreal," suggesting that it may not be entirely of this world. The phrase "on the black devil ship" is repeated throughout the song, driving home the sense of menace and mystery.
Overall, the lyrics of "Black Devil Ship" are a masterclass in world-building, creating a vivid and evocative scene that draws the listener in and leaves them wanting more.
Line by Line Meaning
Lost at sea, no homelands
We are stranded in the ocean, nowhere near our homes.
Rain comes down, night close at hand
We are experiencing a storm with rain pouring down, and it is getting dark.
Mariners, unsaved souls
We are sailors who are yet to be saved from this perilous situation.
Caught between hull, spars, and bolts
We are trapped amidst the different parts of the ship during this storm.
Due south or north, east and west
We are navigating in all possible directions to find the treasure.
On searching the way to ol' Davy's own chest
We are on a quest to find the legendary Pirate Davy Jones's treasure.
Through the storm, lightning hits
During the storm, we are also being hit by lightning, adding to our difficulties.
Oceans deep, bottomless pits
The ocean seems endless and filled with deep pits, which makes the journey even more treacherous.
Blood red moon, star sea skies
The sky is illuminated with a blood red moon, and the stars are shining bright amidst the sea.
Bowknot tied the pirate flag flies
We have hoisted the pirate flag, indicating our allegiance and that we are on a mission to find treasure.
From the mastheads to keel
The ship is surreal from the top mast to the bottom keel.
She's a vessel surreal
Our ship is not just any ordinary ship, but it has a mystical air around it.
It's one hell of a trip
The journey is extremely difficult and full of hardships.
On the black devil ship, aye!
We are traveling on a ship that is rumored to be cursed, referred to as the Black Devil Ship.
Aye!
An affirmation that agrees with the previous statement made.
Contributed by Caden I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Thales L. P.
This sounds like something out of Radiata Stories. Man, I loved that game... Anyways, great song! I have Iron Mask's discography, it's fucking awesome
icedearthneverdies
I fucking love this song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
burndead
Fuckin awesome pirate song!
Zach Lembesis
Look who's riding shotgun.
Leeuwtje Fuur
eddie
dragon0085
Legit