| Reviews for Enforcer (Swe)'s Into the Night |
| Unflinchingly old school and proud - 75% |
| Written by autothrall
on November 5th, 2009
|
| One has to accept a few details before hearing the debut from Sweden's Enforcer. 1) The band is unflinchingly old school, belonging firmly in the early to mid 80s with their brand of early speed/power metal with a thrash infusion. 2) Olof Wikstrand's vocals are high pitched, almost annoying and you aren't getting any apologies. 3) If you are perfectly willing to forget the past 20 years of metal music, this kicks ass and it was made for you. Sure, the mix on the album is up to modern standards, but the songwriting is pure worship of a simpler time. This would all be worthless except that Enforcer are quite good at it. The musicians are extremely tight, literally several riffs per minute that are quality, and a killer rhythm section. Over it all are Olof's vocals which some might believe cheesy, but perfectly suit this style. He's also taken place in other old school Swedish bands like thrashers Oppression. Most of the songs are pretty great, you've got rippers like "Mistress from Hell" and the title track, and ZERO FUCKING BALLADS. The band that this reminds me most of is earlier Rage, and that is only a good thing...right? Into the Night is a more than adequate good time if you adhere to the steps above, and proof that the old school, as silly as it might seem, still kicks major ass when given the treatment it deserves. -autothrall http://www.fromthedustreturned.com |
| Enforcer - Into the Night - 60% |
| Written by ThrashManiacAYD
on August 31st, 2009
|
| My next album combo is brought to you by two sets of Swedes who think they're British, or at least wish they were British sometime around 1980 to 1984 - Enforcer and RAM. Both bands are exponents of the classic heavy metal sound so popular 25+ years ago, which surprisingly has held out well in large part to it's faithful upkeep by the generation of Enforcer's born during, or even after, NWOBHM's classic days. Enforcer's take on the style is part NWOBHM, part speed metal that by its very nature is deeply rooted in the 1980's but for the sake of their debut album, "Into The Night", has been brought back to life for their own ritualistic needs. However, more than just parodying Iron Maiden and Angel Witch to death, Enforcer feature a considerable dollop of American speed metal bands like Exciter, Heathen and some band called Metallica via similarities to their "Kill 'Em All" debut that gives the album a vigorous and energetic youthful feel. What can be said about "Into The Night" is that it showcases a band who play the music they love, and love the music they play, which while entirely admirable puts them on a lesser footing against RAM's effort where this passion is combined with a greater songwriting panache and a more intuitive feel of adding one's own mark to the music. All 9 songs follow a very similar style - the riffs of the NWOBHM age are digested and spat back out much faster and more rhythmically, resulting in songs like "Speed Queen" baring this large "Kill 'Em All" feel, unsurprising really as that is entirely the process Metallica were going through some 25 years ago. You can almost hear Olof 'Enforcer' Wikstrand smiling throughout in a Dave Lee Roth manner during "Black Angel" and the title track such is his obvious pleasure at having 'his' band's debut album out. But as pleasing as this and the Angel Witch-influenced numbers like "On The Loose" and "City Lights" are to listen to while sitting back with a beer or will be on the way to this summer's festivals, it is hard to get much deeper feelings for the songs with a greater development of Enforcer's own style yet being visible. "City Lights" thunders by with plenty of intricate lead work before breaking into some nice blues improvisation and "Scream Of The Savage" is plentiful in it's speed, all very good I must say, but that extra edge of competence to send the album into the realms of the great is not quite honed yet. There is no harm in a young band ably performing songs dedicated to their heroes, and "Into The Night" does this well indeed, but this band's name will be made by something that combines the old with something more personal, otherwise the temptation just to stick on "Kill 'Em All" or "Angel Witch" instead might just become too great. Time for RAM... Originally written for Rockfreaks.net |
| THIS is how a METAL album should sound! - 100% |
| Written by Werewolf
on April 24th, 2009
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| Apart from the old native Death Metal bands and the great young Thrash bands, Sweden can now be proud of this young Heavy/Speed Metal band, who proved during only 4 years of existence that Heavy Metal is still alive and can kick ass, while sounding both refreshing, not repetitive, but still absolutely loyal to its roots! After releasing a self-financed demo that featured only the 2 songs “Evil Attacker” and “Mistress from Hell”, they already had the honor of getting these tracks reissued on a 7” vinyl through Iron Pegasus (later also featured in Heavy Artillery’s compilation “Speed Kills… Again” as well). Later these guys got a contract with Heavy Artillery Recs. and entered the studio to record a 9-tracks (including these 2 songs released in the 4th time already, of corpse!) full length. Personally I’m not into the bands that this label released so far (Merciless Death, Avenger of Blood and Exmortus), but this one is a huge exception to say the least! There’s not much I can say about this band, except for the fact that these guys seem to breathe, eat and shit Heavy Metal since day one! There’s basically everything one could expect from a perfect classic Metal album, and even more! The guitar work is simply outstanding, featuring mostly fast Speed Metal riffs and great Heavy Metal solos, which bands like Exciter and even Judas Priest could be actually proud of! It’s not the case of playing solos just for the sake of it, like many retro-thrash bands play nowadays, but really killer solos that have heart. The bass can be heard clearer than in any random classic Metal album you ever heard, thanks to the great production. The drums are sound great as well, not too complicated, but definitely not boring. The vokiller has great high-pitched voice that I’d prefer to! hear in Maiden’s “The X fucktor” and “Virtual XXX” or however these albums with Blaze Gayley are called! No joke, this album really sounds THAT professionally done! Some might think that I’m a bit too excited about this release, since it’s hard to believe that there’s such a thing as “perfection” that can be done by a young band nowadays, but I seriously think that this is not less than a masterpiece. If you’re into real Speed Metal classics like JP’s “Painkiller”, Agent Steel’s “Unstoppable Force” or Exciter’s “Long Live the Loud”, this is a must have, which I promise that you won’t think twice before putting on the same shelf with these classics, especially that it has such a killer artwork! Tits… And more tits :-) |
| So good, so cliche...so what? - 70% |
| Written by Starkweather222000
on February 19th, 2009
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| Well there ain't much philosophy about this one, you see, and that's the point. Typical early 80's heavy metal played in the 00's, clear production though I'd like the guitars a bit higher in the mix and a screamer vocalist-though I'd like someone a tad more distinctive. Fast songs, great riffs, oohh oooh sing along sections, blazing solos, denim and leather, "Denim And Leather", "Killers", "Lightning To The Nations", some thrash rhythms, nothing here is new but that's exactly the spirit. And, nowadays, it's much harder to stick to the old fashioned heavy metal-and do it good, not like Seven Witches and the rest. These guys really got the spirit of what they are trying to play, and that's what makes this album so fun, they're feeling it. I mean, heeeey, the intro on "Black Angel" is actually the main riff played by the bass! How 80's is this? You like heavy metal, plain, simple, Accept-like? Get your hands on this, 'cos the guys are more than decent, and their debut album is tight, honest, well played, high school heavy metal. Loud and proud. Good work fellas. |
| Good, but nothing new - 74% |
| Written by shantanupatni1991
on February 13th, 2009
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| Being a total sucker and an avid lover of the NWOBHM sound a person like me will eat this up like his favourite McDonald’s burger but to be honest and unbiased, I have to say, this is quite unoriginal. The power chord riffs, the speed metal tempo, the basic song structures, the high pitched vocals, the tradition guitar solos, everything about this release is typical & generic. While it stars in front of most of today’s albums, it pales in front of the true classics that came out in the late 70s and early 80s. It is more than clear that this band’s biggest influences include Saxon, Diamond Head, Riot & Iron Maiden’s first two albums. One wouldn’t hesitate before giving them a pure 100 on 100 when it comes to sound and production, but their material is quintessential classic heavy metal and the marks they should get in terms of innovation and creativity shouldn’t be more than a 10 on 100. This is one of those albums that are hard to review as they don’t leave much to talk about. Just visit Riot’s page and read a couple of random reviews and you’ll get an exact picture of this band. The vocalist imitates Guy Speranza & Tony Moore “perfectly” and the music isn’t any different either. If someone told me this is Riot’s new album or a compilation of some unreleased recordings I’d believe him without a shadow of a doubt. There are no ballads or epics to provide the release any depth at all. The 9 songs are on an average less than 4 minutes in length and the focus is purely on energy, speed and catchiness. There are a couple of instrumentals but they just sound like songs without vocals, if you know what I mean. Overall, these guys are only good at listening to music and covering their favourite tracks. Actual song writing and composing talent is rather low. |
| Unbelieveable, Talk About A Suprise - 95% |
| Written by Flamos
on February 12th, 2009
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| Enforcer is a new act straight out of Sweden. This band has a strong influence from earlier Iron Maiden and more modern thrash acts. From first glace, you’ll figure this is another forgettable heavy/thrash band. When in reality, Enforcer is far from it. Olof Wikstrand’s vocals are odd at first, there all over the place at some points but over time you’ll become accustomed to it. He does a great job and goes fantastically well with the music. Adam Zaars and Joseph Tholl are very good, infact, great. It’s a large part of the puzzle, and they pull it off with grace and style. The solos and riffs they can perform and unbelievable at some points. Jonas Wikstrand plays drums here, and you’ll know it, because he knows how to play. It’s amazing how this band can perform. The bass here is the most formidable force on the record. Unlike most bands now a days, the bass here is clearly audible, which is awesome. Tobias Lindqvist sounds like a young Steve Harris here, and is right there with the guitar. This is an extremely refreshing sound and it makes it very enjoyable. This band has so much talent it’s unfathomable. “Into the Night” opens up with the track “Black Angel,” From the start you’ll understand what this band is about. Old school, fast, fun heavy metal. This is something that many try, but fail miserably. If the production weren’t so good, this album would feel like it was made in the late 80’s. “Speed Queen” is my favorite track on here, with a catchy riff and lovable vocals from Mr. Enforcer himself. The more you listen to this record, the more you’ll enjoy it. Quite an odd structure but it’s true, and entertaining. “City Lights” is the single instrumental found here, and it shows off the bands true potential. “Scream of a Savage” is also a gem. In fact, the entire album is flawless in a way. The production is great, all the players do their job correctly and efficiently, and the singer can pull of feats many could not. Sure originality isn’t here, but when the album is this fantastic, who the fuck cares about originality? It’s also astonishing to me how all these new bands can receive amazing production on their debut albums. It helps the listener enjoy the album. I’m excited to see what Enforcer will do next, this band needs to be watched and listened to by any fan of old school metal and new thrash fans alike. Get it, you won’t be disappointed in the least bit. |
| Evil attacker, metal fight! - 98% |
| Written by Memnarch
on November 19th, 2008
|
| I must admit that at first I was pretty skeptical of these guys. Thinking, "Ah this will just be another forgettable thrash act hopping on the 'new age of thrash' bandwagon. Far from it in fact. This four- piece hail from Sweden, and they wear their influences on their sleeves. If you imagine what you would get from the spwan of Exciter, 'Kill Em All' era Metallica and Cloven Hoof then you may be coming close to what these guys sound like, with more emphasis on the Exciter comparison than the others. The album couldn't start off in a better way, opening with a short bit of noodling on the bass and then tearing straight into a vicious riff which obliterates all sense of doubt about this quartet. The first thing I noticed was that the vocals were very high-pitched, akin to that of Dan Beehler of Exciter fame, although not quite as rough. In fact these guys might as well be Exciter mark II, and that's definitely not a bad thing. We then get a taste of what's to come around the 2:10 mark, a pure face melting solo, something the new breed of thrash bands are missing: good fucking honest solos. Next song, 'Mistress from Hell' appeared on the 'Speed Kills' compilation released by Heavy Artillery in 2007 along with labelmates Warbringer, Avenger of Blood, Hatred and Toxic Holocaust. With the exception of Toxic Holocaust, this album destroys everything any of those other bands have ever done. The current version of the song is far better produced and beefier than the original version. The title track continues in the same fashion as before and you will find it hard to resist the temptation to shout along to the chorus. Catchy is an understatement. "Speed Queen" ploughs in about as subtle as a fist to the face, and to be honest, if you even tried to headbang to this song you'd end up contracting a brain aneurysm, it's that fucking awesome. The next song, "On the Loose" would probably be my favourite on the album if I had to pick one. It is the slowest song on the album, although that isn't saying much. It is a bit more rocky, less chaotic than the rest of the songs, and sounds a bit like something Cloven Hoof would have produced in their early career, instrumental- wise anyway. The chorus here is so infectious it's not funny. Why can't all modern speed metal be this good? Next up is 'City Lights', an instrumental, and also the longest song on the album. It reminds me a lot of 'Transylvania' at the beginning, and has a very NWOBHM sound to it, sounding pretty much like something Iron Maiden could have easily come up with, only a slight bit faster. At the end the song slows down, and all emphasis is on the lead guitar which closes out the song. I tend to find most instrumentals boring, but definitely not this one. "Scream of the Savage" easily sounds as if it an outtake from "Kill 'em All" . Second last song "Curse the Light" continues as before with some great vocal lines, and half way through we get what is probably the best solo of the album. Closer "Evil Attacker" is pure unrelenting thrash. If this doesn't even get a slight bit of vertical motion from your neck then you should just revoke your metal licence and stop listening to metal altogether. One of the first things I noticed about this album is that the bass plays a very prominent role. It is much more audible than in most thrash outfits today, and it doesn't just follow the guitars either, the bass is actually allowed to do it's own thing for once as well as provide a foundation for the rest of the music. Steve Harris seems to be a big influence on Joseph's playing, which utilises the 'galloping' sound alot, but instead of just ripping him off, he adds his own unique touch to the playing as well, creating some very interesting bass lines. The drums are also well-executed, and keep well away from being repetitive. The vocals also need mentioning. Much different from that of their peers, as mentioned before, Olof Wikstrand's vocals are very high pitched and are the forefront of the music, ranging from mid range to falsetto. And not forgetting the infectious choruses. The album is an unrelenting onslaught of destructive riffs; every single one makes you want to headbang along, and every single solo is very well thought out and executed, something that thrash metal these days is severely lacking in. So dig out your air guitar, stick on a pair of drainpipe jeans, Nike Hi-Tops and sleeveless shirt, and do yourself a favour and obtain this album at all costs, as it is the best thing to come out of the new thrash scene yet. No, it isn't in anyway original, but hell, what is these days anyway? What it is, is a blitzkrieg of pure neck-wrecking, vigourous speed/thrash metal and if you're a fan of bands such as Exciter, Agent Steel and Razor then you'll love these speedsters. My personal album of the year. |