Iron Duke - First Salvo
Iron Duke - Gammel Dansk
Iron Duke are the Danish entry into the Emerson, Lake and Palmer school, a band who created two albums in the mid 70s with a very unique take on the classical rock style, in fact they probably had as much Ekseption influence as they did Emerson, Lake & Palmer. The results are often extremely twee and sentimental, although you might have gotten that from First Salvo’s opening “Happy Band” title. In fact, First Salvo is probably the album that ties in closest to Ekseption and even Trace, as the last two tracks, “Psalm” and “Rockin’ Edward” both seem like classical rock pastiches.
“Gammel Dansk” from three years later, shows little evolution, a change to Danish titles rather than English (and I should mention, Iron Duke are instrumental) and less reliance on classical rock cliches, while still remaining a bit foofy. Both albums fall into that obscurity range where rare dealers take advantage of comparisons, these are two that are likely to fall under expectations. Maybe the only thing positive in terms of comparing them to ELP is they eschew silly songs and the sort of cabaret-ish feel that band could occasionally work up. Fans of the keyboard trio will probably want to give these a listen, just don’t expect something like a “Tarkus” and you might find some enjoyment in these.