Iron Mind – Test Of The Iron Mind
Melbourne’s hardcore punk rockers Iron Mind return with their latest long player, Test of the Iron Mind. Here are our thoughts on the release.
Words by Will Oakeshott
“No more pain? HA! Not likely. Seems this life is one painful moment after another. Just when you thought you were through the hard rain, struggling to keep your head above water, gasping for a single breath of relief, only for the next wave to hit you. That’s it, never letting up. Cycle after cycle, when it rains, it pours, a constant storm! Floods, then fires, then war, then drugs, epidemics, pandemics, recession, depression; it never stops! The screws are turned tighter and tighter, until you think you can’t take anymore, until you think ‘surely, the test is over’. Well, the test ain’t ever over, that’s what we aren’t told; light at the end of the tunnel? Nuh, after all this time, there’s still no light. Pressure builds, powers abuse still, the cycle of pain, NO RELIEF! Nothing from the powers that be. We’re left crushed in a fucking vice! Something’s got to change, but how can I help if I can’t help myself? In over my head, so much I don’t know, so much I don’t understand, but I know one thing…
“I won’t quit! I’M NOT GIVING IN! I’M NOT ROLLING OVER! I WON’T STAY DOWN! No more pain? FUCK THAT, MORE PAIN! HOW MUCH YOU GOT? HOW MUCH YOU GOT? HOW MUCH YOU FUCKING GOT?”
How spectacularly does this monologue trigger a vast array of emotions… Doesn’t it have that monumental effect of sending “shivers down the spine?” Doesn’t it shout those words that remain hidden within one’s mind, but never become verbally broadcast? Isn’t it hauntingly accurate in its reflection of the state of the world?
Most importantly, do the readers find relatability in this commentary? Do they find empathy? Enlightenment? Benevolence? Anger? Inspiration?
Undeniably, this dissertation provokes a response, and with a boundless diversity of decipherment. However, this is not the script to an influential film, TV series or even best-selling novel (it should be); matter-of-factly, this is the aggressively spoken word induction into Melbourne’s hardcore trailblazers Iron Mind’s third and astutely comprehensive album entitled Test Of The Iron Mind. Are you ready “for the next wave to hit you?”
“HOW MUCH YOU GOT?”
This isn’t a threatening dissertation; what vocalist and lyricist Sam Octigan is implementing with his hardcore poetry is insight. Mr. Octigan is a hardworking 41-year-old father, partner, and son with struggles that align with countless people across the world. The hurt, the defeat, the “cycle of pain”, and so much more. He needs to write about it, he needs to shout about it, and he is doing so in a manner that listeners can appreciate, attach to, and if so inclined, scream along to, or even stage dive to emotively.
So, let’s explore the Test Of The Iron Mind…
‘More Pain’ acts as a faultless sequel to the spoken word opening. If there are questions within the commencing chapter, they are either reiterated, answered or vanquished by this second instalment. Hatebreed and Death Before Dishonor can be cited in this hard-hitting composition; although it must be stated that Iron Mind have been performing together with only a small number of member changes for nearly 20 years. They know their sound, they know their message – now they are delivering it with more vehemence and lucidity. Please note, vocalist Sam Octigan’s snarl has only enraged and engaged more in his poetic delivery.
‘How You Get Down’ invites the two-steppers and gang vocal enthusiasts to become respected members of the band and their message. The groove breakdown is unquestionably a provocateur for disruption of the tectonic plates below; (un)rest assured, this is a dance YOU want to be a part of. ‘Terrified’ showcases a maturity in lyricism that is, to a degree, seldom exhibited in hardcore. Ingeniously and respectably, Octigan articulates his understandings as a father, and then from the point of view of a son to his elderly parents. This vow and the dedication involved are overwhelming for many people to undertake; so, just imagine a hardcore soundtrack to inspire individuals, driven by a sense of empathy and encouragement, to be the best family members they can be. Thanks to Iron Mind, this is no longer an imaginative idea; it is a two-minute powerful reality.
‘Dog Will Hunt’ possesses that perseverance in regards to the (possible) situation presented in the intro; the “trust your gut” instinct. The quintet is called Iron Mind for a reason; Iron is not the strongest metal, but when it bonds with Carbon to create an alloy such as Steel, it becomes one of the strongest metals on Earth. When Iron Mind connect with their audience, through their hardcore energy and meaningful message, there is a trust, an immeasurable strength. It is metaphorically steel, and one of the most trustworthy building blocks known to humankind - trust the bond, trust yourself.
‘No Fate’ is self-empowerment in just over two minutes: “No fate, but what we make”; let that resonate. The bass presence by Dan Collins is undoubtedly electrifying; however, this is an anthem that will captivate and invigorate hardcore devotees. The title track follows that anthemic feel and escalates it immeasurably – one can actually visualise California’s Lionheart embracing this song wholeheartedly. ‘Paid In Full’ is the song Trapped Under Ice forgot to write, then ‘Eye To Eye’ would have Toronto’s No Warning throwing down in envy.
‘The Crucible’ is Iron Mind undertaking a more adventurous expedition with what the hardcore genre can accomplish. Baltimore’s Pulling Teeth’s sludge metal experimentations emerge, but this is the Melbournians’ pulverisation in their own remarkable resonance.
Hatebreed’s ‘I Will Be Heard’, Terror’s ‘I’m Only Stronger’, SPEED’s ‘Not That Nice’ – now Iron Mind’s ‘Solitary Realm’. The soul-searching gravity the Victorian five-piece produces in its illustrious progressive brutality approach to hardcore within these two-and-a-half minutes as a closer will draw the spectators sensationally back to the composition over and over again. If cinema could be translated to hardcore music, this is the Christopher Nolan epic that will require revisitation to ensure that the message: “I WON’T STAY DOWN!” is set in everyone’s Iron Mind.
Test of the Iron Mind by Iron Mind is out now via Last Ride/Flatspot Records.
