Force of Violence

Given that their last album "Virgin Hearts" was a success, surely that would mean that they would continue doing that sound, right? Well, not only would they continue doing that with their third album "Force of Violence", but because of how similar it is in sound to the previous record, it almost feels more like a part two of the last album. But how much difference is there in this release, and does it still stack up well with Virgin Hearts?

Like with the last releases, the album opens up with a minute-long synth intro "Star Odyssey" before cutting to the metal part in the next track "Towns on Fire". Right off the bat, the track clearly maintains its raw and groovy guitar riffs from the last, which still sound good, though there is a bit more melody in the song. The drumming still hasn't changed a bit, as the drum machine still produces the exact same blastbeats from the last two albums, which is really starting to feel tiring at this point. Nonetheless, while there is certainly still a lot of continuation from the last album, there does appear to be some attempts of variation. For instance, the track "The Incriminated" is more fast-paced and aggressive, similar to that of the debut album. Another track "Force of Violence" is also arguably the most complex track of the album, as the riffs have a more hypnotic feel, giving off a more energetic atmosphere within the track. While I have neglected to talk about the synth interludes from the previous album due to how very similar they are in sound, the interludes on this album are easily the best by far, as tracks like "Threats Unknown" and "1751" are not only more complex in structure, but are also fantastic at evoking a sinister tone within the interludes. Though there is an awful lot of similarities from Virgin Hearts, the instrumentals for the most part still remain consistently good.

As for the vocals, there's not much change in that department either. Those raging screams from the previous album are back again in this record. And while the variation in them has seen little change, they still fit well within the songs. In the more bass-driven track "Madonna the Pagan Venus" for instance, the few screams that appear near the end not only flow well with the groovy riffs, but further enhance the more chaotic direction within the track. And in some of the more intense tracks like "Mask of Deceit", the screams capture the aggression with some bestial screams of terror. The vocals not only still remain as scary as ever, but they also flow well with the groovy and raw instrumentals.

All in all, "Force of Violence" most definitely feels more like leftovers from the last album, and there are even some instances where I feel like there could be some changes. Then again, the minimalistic approach that Valhalla Bound does is still done just as well regardless, and the interludes have at least gotten better. If you liked Virgin Hearts, then I don't think you'll have much trouble liking this one as well.