The number of bands playing traditional/80's style metal groups sure isn't showing any signs of fading. So you would assume that there must be a strong demand with so many releases from both old and newer acts. As you can tell from the classic cover artwork Air Raid are one such band. These old school metal fans reside in Gothenburg Sweden, and Point Of Impact is Air Raid's third release and the first featuring new recruit, vocalist Arthur W Andersson.
Air Raid are influenced by the European and US metal scenes that is the likes of Priest, Maiden, Vicious Rumors, Liege Lord and Agent Steel. Air Raid have taken that influence from the big guns and created their own memorable album with Point Of Impact and a very likeable display of power and melody.
Air Raid gets down to business promptly motoring along with "Bound To Destroy" and those engaging dual guitar harmonies. The guitarists turn it on again for "Madness" with a potent riff that's reminiscent of the one on Europe's "Scream Of Anger". "Victim Of The Night" has a catchy chorus and the band proceed to tear it up on "Wildfire" as the metal ignites and the vocals are soaring just like the solos. Next up their vocalist takes a breather and as far as spirited instrumentals go "Flying Fortress" has strong performances and gripping music with the guitars showing the way once more, as Air Raid step up and let loose.
Out of those recordings by the more recent traditional metal bands Air Raid's Point Of Impact is certainly one of the most compelling albums I've heard.
Track Listing
1. Bound to destroy
2. Madness
3. Victim of the night
4. Wildfire
5. Flying Fortress
6. Vengeance
7. The fire within
8. We got the force