METAL, fuck yeah!
Initially, before hearing Enforcer, I was under the assumption that they were another thrash revival band – I was wrong. Retro they are, yes, but they went back even further, to sounds that for the most part, predate thrash. Say, circa 1982, Enforcer combine the galloping nature and traditional/NWOBHM style of Iron Maiden, hard rock goodness of Scorpions from that time period, and the speed of Metallica’s early days – yes, it fucking rocks.
Into the Night is just a fun album. Speedy, memorable riffs that instantly induce head-banging; solos that make you play air guitar and vocals that get you shouting right along with them. The bass plays a prominent role here just as it should with this style, as you can actually here it at any given moment, but by far the best thing about Into the Night are the guitars of Adam Zaars. You’d be hard pressed to find a riff anywhere that “sucks” or is just so-so, and the soloing is excellent, particularly in “Mistress from Hell” and “City Lights”.
Another plus is vocalist Olof Wikstrand knows when to shut up for awhile and let the music do the talking – there are plenty of extended instrumental sessions where Zaars just shreds it out – “City Lights” is the best example of course, as its all instrumental. It’s not that the vocals are terrible, as Wikstrand’s fairly high register cleans are occasionally reminiscent of Klaus Meine (this is a good thing), and is where a good portion of the Scorpions comparison lie, but I think just about every metal head can attest it’s not the vocals that attract us to this music, but the music itself. Outside of the vocals however, “On the Loose” and “Curse the Light” have a particular Scorpions vibe.
On the thrashy side of things, most everything here moves at a quick pace, but on “Scream of the Savage” it’s much more apparent with a riff that just rips.
There’s not much more to say here really, other than I can’t imagine anyone into NWOBHM or the earliest days of thrash not digging this – it’s just pure fun to listen to.
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Wow, you weren’t kidding. This is the best old school, straight up metal CD since Pharaoh’s debut, and just on the first listen it’s better than that. If I was going to make comparisons, it’s Uli John Roth era Scorpions meeting Diamond Head with just a touch more speed. I agree, I can’t imagine anyone who likes NWOBHM disliking it.
on Dec 15th, 2008 at 21:44Sounds awesome…I need to check this out…
on Dec 16th, 2008 at 06:21