Dawn of the Axe

Germany’s Cruel Force are back with their 3rd album delivering true heavy metal rage cranked to eleven.

Thundering toms and blazing guitars open the album with an almost old western feel to them, soaring leads adding to the dynamic introduction. The anticipation for new Cruel Force was high, but they lead with some tension to tease us into metallic rage. Wet rototoms can be heard along with distant vocals and then the title track hits… Speeding melodies and ferocious rhythms bust into a truly mind-blowing assault of heavy metal carnage with venomous vocal delivery to match the unbound might. The lethal sound is produced perfect with a clear, unrefined but tight execution where clearly the bands ability rather than studio trickery takes the centrefold. The sound is very natural and absolutely massive with the huge drum fills and crushing riffs pulverising from every angle as the low end comes through with some rumbling warmth, all led by the maniacally shrieked vocals. First impressions are raging battery and tormenting violence, starting on ultimate strength with no signs of easing up.

Crashing chaos eliminates all, as Cruel Force’s unfaltering majesty strides forward with each song, an air of confidence and savagery emanating from every purposeful note. The entire band have very busy roles, with lots of cleverly placed details that show their songwriting is not only killer but they never rely on lazy repetition, always throwing us more while keeping everything coherent. This is simply one of those records that force feeds you absolute mayhem from the get-go and keeps you chained up and held by the throat until it’s finished with you. As a band who were always lumped more into the black / thrash category, there is a huge injection of pure heavy and speed metal while retaining those more extreme elements here. The inclusion of some longer songs give the record desirable dynamics and room to breathe while never losing the monolithic moments of pure raw force that is held throughout. Cruel Force proclaim to bring the power back into metal and this is certainly a promise they do not fail to keep.

“Across The Styx” is a perfect example of how a band can sound totally menacing and yet retain the anthemic and over-the-top quality of true heavy metal. From the chimes and rototoms to the malicious riffing, cutting bass, molten leads and screaming fury, everything about this track just rips. As the first single, it is a track I have played tons since it came out with a killer music video (which the band did three of for this record impressively). It remains one of the highlights for me, although the bar being set this high was pressure they did not succumb to, as the whole record lives up to the quality of this monstrous piece. Cruel Force manage to take a primitive sound that is often quite simplistic and make an expansive, unique and enriched variation upon the ancient ways that is totally their own. Pounding hammer-blows furiously hit the anvil, sending sparks of steel into the air right until the end. This is one of those records that ends on an explosive high that makes you want to play it over and over, as opposed to meandering to a dwindling and tepid end, the closure is a climax of crazed ecstasy that will leave you begging for more.

The third offering from this cult act is a masterpiece, in fact I would say by far their strongest effort (and I really dig the first two). A melting pot of all things heavy metal, delivered with sincerity, marvellous musicianship and a sadistically savage execution that will show no mercy. Witness the metallic magic that has been laid down for us, for none shall be spared at the dawn of the axe!

Written for www.nattskog.wordpress.com

Let’s talk about this quartet called Cruel Force. Honestly speaking, their debut was good, but some songs of its successor “Under the Sign of the Moon” were and still are simply incredible. Thus, I wasn’t very happy to see the band vanishing into thin air, but now, after more than a decade, they have returned. That’s great, but also dangerous, because they have modified their style. Did I already say that I fear any kind of change? Anyway, the black elements of their former black thrash sound have almost been totally erased. Cruel Force have made a move to a new bastard, a speed / thrash hybrid. But do not expect high-pitched vocals, the quite deep voice of Carnivore still sounds earthy. He does not lack charisma and expressive power and so he alone guarantees a strong metallic vibe.

But, of course, his dodgy comrades also do not behave like posers. Yes, I have allowed myself to use this word in view of the very archaic approach of the band. Just take a look at the artwork. It could be also the cover of an Atlain, Living Death or Iron Angel album of the eighties. But that’s not all: the promo claims that it has identified musical elements of Rainbow and the Scorpions. I didn’t. Guess I must have been “in trance”. Be that as it may, all those who think that Cruel Force have softened their compositions do not have to fear nightmares. Admittedly, occasionally a part appears that would have had no chance to get a place on the first two albums. A few multi-voiced back vocals or the nearly dreamy instrumental part of “Devil’s Dungeon” must be mentioned in this context. Well, the latter is not the best sequence on the album, but it does not characterize the entire work. And, by the way, a little drama and some melancholy are no bad things per se. I also like the acoustic ending of the closer. It reminds me pleasantly of Griffin's eternal masterpiece "Protectors of the Lair", because its A side ends in a similar way.

The two explosive advance songs, “Across the Styx” and the title track, do not know overly emotional parts and they represent the album in an excellent manner. High velocity, galloping guitars, commanding vocals, insane fill-ins of the virtuoso drummer and larger than life choruses form two flawless jewels. They justify their prominent positions (openers of the A and the B side of the vinyl) with great ease – if we forget the two short intros for a moment. They are cool, metallic (side A) or atmospheric (side B) and open the gates in a good and promising manner, no more, no less. Behind these gates, strict torpedoes like “Night of Thunder” await the listener. Every now and then, they spread some Deströyer 666 vibes, but more decisive for their great impact are the brilliant riffs and the non-polished yet catchy chorus lines. The song titles underline the archaic element of the music. Something like “Death Rides the Sky”, another audacious rocket which is based on clear contours and many high-speed parts, is old-fashioned, generic and… absolutely fantastic.

Naturally a good production is very useful, and Cruel Force impress with a mix which finds the perfect balance between underground metal waves and professional transparency. The thundering drums build a resilient foundation, but especially the guitar tone shines almost with perfection. It comes to full glory in some solos, for example in the one of “Power Surge”. This sharp, rebellious and once again phenomenal song underlines the passion of Cruel Force for straight-lined, diabolic smashers for the last time – the following closer invites the audience to a rather epic finale, although it holds a sharp riff and another fine portion of high velocity as well. And that’s it. 38 minutes playtime do not indicate opulence and it is somewhat sad, that we do not get a little bit more. However, “Dawn of the Axe” marks a very strong return, because it seems to be filled to the brim with the true spirit of metal. Therefore (and for a handful of outstanding tracks) I like this full-length very much. This is all the more true as the 12" comes with a lyric sheet and, as is already tradition with Cruel Force, a poster. So all that remains for me to say is that it shouldn't take another 12 years until the next record. Thank you.