Iron Firmament – In the Land of Pre-human Kings

Mid March 2026 Iron Firmament presented their third full length album “In the Land of Pre-human Kings”. Over fourty-one minutes in length Iron Firmament have crafted an masterclass fusion of atmosphere, riffs, dynamism and storytelling. Comprised of CSZ (Guitar/vocals), Krieger (Drums/Vocals/12 string guitar), and now joined by Werguild fellow Artificer (Bass). Iron Firmament have deftly ascended the USBM mountain and stand valiantly at the top with four demos and now three full lengths. Fans of bands such as Judas Iscariot, Wolves in the Throne Room and Immortal will delight in this offering.

The album begins with “The Coast of Worlds” setting the tone for the journey ahead. Storming riffs yield to ambient passages that build and churn providing a brief respite before diving back in. “Purged of All Southern Influence” follows the same pattern, “Blue Flames and Crimson” then begins with a slow ambient build into a threatening aura filled with galloping riffs and rasped cries. “Atlantis in Permafrost” is a short and concise track filled with swirling guitars and a daring petulant drum beat signaling something akin to a decisive, but not final, battle. “Laughter of the Stormlashed Forest” follows at a slower pace with reticent, almost questioning, guitars and drums while a trace of flute or something similar flows within. The tracks ends with a flury and what sounds like oddly mechanical and ominous laughter. The album closes with the 14 minute eponymous opus “In the Land of Pre-Human Kings”. Everything on the album is present in this one song. A final battle call the song is firm in its oresence and direction. Indeed the track serves as a testament to what Iron Firmament is as a musical entity.

The addition of Krieger gives the music additional heft and builds the all-encompassing sound and atmosphere present throughout the album. The artists state that “In the Land of Pre-Human Kings” was recorded entirely using “Science ‘Totality’ Amplification” what results is an organically dynamic album that always sounds robust and, odd for the genre, warm at its heart. Proving that less is more Iron Firmament have created a modern genre classic the devotees of USBM and the genre as a whole will devour

“In the Land of Pre-Human Kings” is a masterclass on atmosphere, setting, and mood. Songs travel between the battlefield and safe zones, all the while drawing one deeper into the mystique of IF. I am reminded of rest zones, in particular their music, from various media such as Majula, Lut Gholein, or the “End of Time”. This familiarity helps to brings together the art especially when paired with the amazing art used for the album cover: “Lost World” by Bruce Pennington. Iron Firmament have succeeded in their worldbuilding and I am left thirsting for more lore. Despite said familiarity, dare I say comfort, there is a sinister might hiding behind the edges of the ambiance present here which places it in the spotlight.

Iron Firmament is one band of the mysterious Cascadian enclave Werguild. I can only reccomend the entire catalog with my highest regard. Digital copies of the album can be purchased via https://wergild.bandcamp.com/album/in-the-land-of-pre-human-kings. Physical media is long sold out but a second print is rumored this summer, stay alive and vigilant!