Iron Man (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Founder | Alfred Morris III, Kim Geoffrey Martin |
| Headquarters | Maryland , United States |
| Products | Heavy metal music, albums, EPs |
Iron Man was a heavy metal ensemble originating from Maryland, United States.
Biography
Formed in 1986, Iron Man began as a tribute outfit dedicated to Black Sabbath, initiated by Alfred Morris III (guitar) and Kim Geoffrey Martin (drums), both formerly of Force. Following Kim Martin's departure within a year, the group transitioned into creating original material, led by Morris who integrated his vast collection of riffs. Their third studio release, Generation Void, came out in 1999. Each album showcased a different lineup, with Morris remaining the only consistent member. A bootleg recording titled Iron Man: Live in Cincinnati emerged in 2006, capturing performances from their 2000 U.S. tour that was cut short due to the exit of Dan Michalak and Vic Tomaso.
In 2000, the band embarked on a U.S. tour covering 20 cities; however, it was prematurely ended when Michalak and Tomaso left the group. To complete the tour, temporary musicians such as bassist ViiX and others were enlisted, with the final show taking place in Indianapolis in April 2000.
Management shifted in 2004 when Michael Lindenauer took over, assisting Morris in revitalizing Iron Man. New members included London-based Jon Owen, though visa complications delayed their anticipated return at the 2005 Templars of Doom Festival. Former members from Maryland doom acts Wretched and Life Beyond—Louis Strachan on bass and Gus Basilika on drums—joined alongside Joe Donnelly from Sabbra Cadabra. After Basilika departed due to creative disagreements, Brian "Dex" Dexter stepped in as drummer. This revamped lineup debuted at the Doom Or Be Doomed Festival in April 2007 and released a self-produced CDEP entitled Submission.
Leaf Hound Records reissued Iron Man's initial two albums, originally under Hellhound Records; The Passage was remastered for CD release in 2007, followed by a vinyl reissue of Black Night in 2008 with plans for a CD edition. In 2009, Morris spearheaded a new formation that recorded their fourth album, I Have Returned, which was released through Shadow Kingdom Records.
In 2010, drummer Dex Dexter and vocalist Joseph Donnelly departed; they were replaced by Mike Rix and "Screaming Mad" Dee Calhoun (formerly of After Therapy and Land of Doom). This lineup swiftly produced the self-released Dominance EP early in 2011.
Morris also contributed to two Doom Records projects: a self-titled album by Force and A Double Dose of Doom, featuring Rat Salad and Obstination (later known as Unorthodox). Notably, Larry Brown of Force declined an invitation to join Bad Brains in 1979. Morris participated in the 2001 MeteorCity Records release Scene Killer, collaborating with New Jersey musicians and guest artists. Former vocalist Rob Levey is recognized for organizing the Stoner Hands of Doom festivals.
On January 15, 2012, Iron Man announced Jason "Mot" Waldmann as their new permanent drummer following successful auditions focused on local talent. That summer saw the release of the EP att hålla dig över.
Beginning February 4, 2013, Iron Man commenced recording their fifth full-length album with engineer Frank Marchand. Titled South of the Earth, it was released on September 30 in the UK/Europe through Rise Above Records and on October 1 in North America via Metal Blade Records.
Alfred Morris III passed away on January 10, 2018, aged 60.
Discography
- Black Night CD (1993, Hellhound Records)
- The Passage CD (1994, Hellhound Records)
- Generation Void CD (1999, Brainticket Records)
- Submission EP (2007, independently released)
- I Have Returned CD (2009, Shadow Kingdom Records)
- Dominance EP (2011, independently released)
- att hålla dig över EP (2012, independently released)
- South of the Earth (2013, Rise Above Records/Metal Blade Records)
Reissues
- The Passage CD (2007, Leaf Hound Records)
- The Passage CD (2010, Shadow Kingdom Records)
- Black Night CD (2011, Shadow Kingdom Records)
- Black Night LP (2012, Shadow Kingdom Records)
- Generation Void CD (2012, Shadow Kingdom Records)