Germany’s CRUEL FORCE are back with their 3rd album delivering true Heavy Metal rage cranked to eleven. Set for release via Shadow Kingdom Records on September 22nd.
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!
For further Cruel Force reading, check out my recent interview with them here!
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