Heavy Artillery Records - 2008
8/10
Enforcer really could not have come around at a better time. Fifteen years ago, the heavy metal scene was just beginning to see the revival acts take hold and form what is now easily identifiable as throwback bands. Thrash metal was well underway with Municipal Waste and such reaching popularity, but the traditional and speed metal boom hadn’t progressed as far. It makes sense that had I been around the scene for the Swedish band’s debut titled Into The Night, I’d probably think it was the greatest thing released in the new millennium.
Instead, we have the benefit of hindsight, and it’s easy for me not not only to judge this against other bands in the coming years, but also stacked against their own discography. Simply put, Into The Night really is a meat-and-potatoes speed metal record that has a little extra flavor. Already, Olof and co. display a keen sense for fast rhythms that take strong precedence and a powerful aura, without needing a harsh attitude to achieve their goal. Things aren’t produced-to-death, yet the riffs are clear enough to grasp the melodies, which sit nicely alongside the tight, but mostly high-pitched vocal range. It’s truly the perfect formula.
All that’s missing is the songwriting tactics that would raise Enforcer from having the status of redoing what was done well before, to building something of their own that’s not only unique, but immaculate. Take “Speed Queen” for example, one that hardly stands out from anything construction wise, but still adds to the strong foundation; talent is very clearly visible. Yet, even without the advanced skill-set being on full display, there’s nothing bad, and plenty of songs stick as earworms. The title track would have to be the most obvious one, with incredible transitions between each section, and a chorus that I find myself singing all the time. Opener “Black Angel” belts out some serious bass chops and guitar combos that lay an incredible foundation for their identity. I also appreciate the tone-down in “On The Loose” as well as its beefy instrumentation, which gets carried over to “Scream Of The Savage” as well.
It may be best to describe this record as a grower. The style itself is consistent and vibrant, working as something pleasing off the bat by default. The issue is that it takes a little longer than desired to remain memorable, which caused me to return to it a little less. For that, it’s just shy of something I’d call a classic. That said, looking at this in a vacuum, it would have absolutely taken me by storm if I were into heavy metal in 2008. This is still an essential listen to fans of the speed metal style, even if it would later get expanded upon.
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