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)
Universe
Iron Mask Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Give birth to speculation
Dark matter, transforming
Becomes determination
Time and history was never meant to be
After the bang, it will re-collapse again
Time and history was never meant to be
Mystic forces of creation
Left behind a curse
A superhuman constellation
Called the universe, called the universe
So many dimensions
No man could ever count
Entropy observers
Are still constantly astound
Time and history was never meant to be
After the bang, it will re-collapse again
Time and history was never meant to be
After the big bang (bang), it will re-collapse again
Mystic forces of creation
Left behind a curse
A superhuman constellation
Called the universe, called the universe
Time and history was never meant to be
After the bang, it will re-collapse again
Mystic forces of creation
Left behind a curse
A superhuman constellation
Called the universe, called the universe
Called the universe
The lyrics of "Universe" by Iron Mask explore the mysteries of the universe and its creation. The song starts with the idea of impulses swirling downward, giving birth to speculation, which transforms into determination as dark matter transforms itself into something new. The lyrics convey the idea that time and history were never meant to be and that after the big bang, the universe will re-collapse again. The forces of creation left behind a curse, and the universe is often referred to as a superhuman constellation, full of mysteries and dimensions beyond human comprehension.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of wonder and awe at the vastness of the universe and the forces that created it. The lyrics hint at the idea that the universe is an enigma, filled with countless dimensions and infinite possibilities. The entropy observers are still constantly astounded by the universe's complexity, and the song suggests that there is still so much we don't understand.
Overall, "Universe" by Iron Mask is a song that explores the vastness and mystery of the universe. It conveys a sense of wonder and awe while also acknowledging the vastness of the unknown. Through its powerful lyrics, the song invites us to contemplate the universe and its creation, leaving us with a sense of humility and a deep appreciation for the mysteries of the cosmos.
Line by Line Meaning
Impulses swirl downward
The forces of nature drive everything forward and downward in a continuous flow.
Give birth to speculation
This flow of energy generates ideas and questions as people try to understand the mysteries of the universe.
Dark matter, transforming
Even elements that seem mysterious and unreachable can be transformed into something meaningful and useful.
Becomes determination
Through perseverance and dedication, people can transform even the most difficult and complex ideas into plans for action.
Time and history was never meant to be
The universe operates under its own set of rules and is not concerned with the linear timeline of human history.
After the bang, it will re-collapse again
The universe operates in cycles, with expansion and contraction repeating in a ongoing loop.
Mystic forces of creation
The universe is governed by supernatural or inexplicable forces that can only be partly understood by humans.
Left behind a curse
Despite its beauty and wonder, the universe contains elements that can be destructive or harmful.
A superhuman constellation
The stars, planets, and other celestial objects are large and powerful beyond human comprehension.
Called the universe, called the universe
The vastness and complexity of the universe is both awe-inspiring and humbling to humans.
So many dimensions
The universe is multidimensional and contains many realms and planes of existence beyond the human experience.
No man could ever count
The vastness and complexity of the universe is beyond human understanding or imagination.
Entropy observers
Despite our best efforts, we can never fully comprehend the workings of the universe and its constant state of chaos.
Are still constantly astound
The mysteries of the universe continue to capture our imagination and leave us in awe, despite centuries of scientific discovery.
Contributed by Bentley B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
D.S
D+ ❤
MrD0wnflan
Vaya... con la expectación que me había generado la portada. Suena a power metal de finales de los noventa con duetos tipo Malmsteen/Johansson. Tengo la sensación de haber oído esto mil veces. Es una lástima que este género esté tan trillado.
Your Perpetual Dolor
Omg this song is epic!
ticrevenge Reg
Mega Awsome
:)
Spookhunter7
MADNESS THERE IS A LITTLE IN EVERYONE...
Marthian Hermoso
amazing is a god petrossi
Sause HH
supergeil