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Power metal, sci-fi themes, sexy-ass riffs, fantastic laser beams and intergalactic heroes charging at the sight of injustice and evil; what more could a nerdy metalhead want? Iron Savior has been at the space sentinel business for more than 20 years now, and like that go-to old shoe or jeans, always delivers the goods quality-wise. Kill or Get Killed comes as a statement that it's really, really hard to destroy the most resilient, enduring and stubborn metal of them all: the Teutonic.

The title track opens up with the ever-so characteristic riffs by Piet and Joachim "Piesel" Küstner, which then bursts into a sexy stumper full of attitude and personality. The chorus here is one of the best in the record, with a perfect blend of power and cheesiness.

"Roaring Thunder" elevates the cheesiness by a LOT, so bring your insulin shot for this. It's similarly paced to "Kill or Get Killed", but way more bombastic and pompous. Things continue to get sugary by the minute when "Eternal Quest" comes in (I mean, look at this title, come on), but gladly the band is at its best here with on-point instrumental and marvelous vocal lines by Piet, especially in the epic chorus.

Songs like "From Dust and Rubble", "Sinner or Saint" and "Stand Up and Fight" drink from the heavier side of the band. With good tempo and high-octane riffing, they deliver each note here which such conviction that it's hard not to get your blood pumping and fists in the air. While not even remotely creative, these moments are filled with energy and more than enough to keep you on your feet.

But hey, it's not Iron Savior if there isn't a bombastic, epic anthem to tell the tales of those macho heroes I mentioned earlier, right? Fright not, "Heroes Ascending" is here to right that wrong. In a mix of Blind Guardian-esque leads and guitar speed that would make Kai Hansen blush, Piet and company sing their opus to the heroes of the universe with killer atmosphere and a strong, memorable chorus.

Kill or Get Killed is essentially the same Iron Savior we've seen since ever, but with a stronger sense of saluting the past. Despite not having an earth-stomping classic tune like "Titans of Our Time", "Atlantis Falling" or "Riding on Fire", it has the "Piet Sielck seal of badassness ®", so you'll find plenty to enjoy here. Long live Iron Savior.