ENFORCER - From Beyond
March 25, 2015, 9 years ago
(Nuclear Blast)
Fourth album from the young, traditional minded Swedes, two of whom also play in Black Trip (drummer Jonas Wikstrand and guitarist Joseph Tholl, who moonlights on vocals, in the other act). “Destroyer” leaps from the speakers, red-lining guitars and high pitched wails from the start. Things rarely slow down throughout the course of the other eight songs (plus “Hungry They Will Come” instrumental). Just as it should be! The title cut is one exception. Mid-tempo, it (briefly) veers into a dancing ABBA inspired lilt. Never can discount that '70s export's influence on their homeland.
Short (album's runt, at just 2:52), aggressive follow-up, “One With Fire”, is indeed one with a blazing sense of purpose: best NWOBHM movements and proto-thrash ideals. One of two eclipsing six minutes, “Below The Slumber” is a builder: somber beginning and a cappella conclusion, active mid-section. “The Banshee'” is adequate descriptor and showcase for Olof Wikstrand, the drummer's brother, while the over-in-a-blink-of-the-eye “Hell Will Follow” might as well be punk. Personally, wouldn't have ended with the lengthy, lumbering “Mask Of Red Death”, but there's probably a bonus track floating around, either side of the Atlantic or Pacific. Speaking of which, the band are currently trying to book a North American tour for early 2016. Let's hope that happens.
