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The Blood of Creation is the fifth album from this Canadian band that has been flying under the radar of '80s-inspired traditional/epic metal for a while, but should do a lot to break them to a wider audience. In reviews of past releases, I've found both their sound and songwriting to have similarities with big names like Iron Maiden and Arch-era Fates Warning and, while those influences are still present on The Blood of Creation, Iron Kingdom has found something of a sound of their own. The vocals are still wild in spots and might take a bit of getting used to, but it only takes a couple of spins for them to gel with the music. The whole album oozes '80s metal and I particularly like the '70s/NWOBHM vibe of "Witching Hour" and the traded leads on the epic title track which closes out the album. If you haven't checked out Iron Kingdom's earlier releases and you dig pure '80s metal, grab a copy of The Blood of Creation then get ready to hunt down their earlier catalog. You will not be disappointed.