With a lot of recent activity from bands that defined the term NWOBHM, it is good to see that there is some new blood to carry on the tradition. The sophomore release from Swedish metalist Enforcer could be the newest of the new wave that emanated from the British Isles to encapsulate the planet with a fresh, raw metal sound that is impossible to ignore.
The comparison to bands like Iron Maiden is inevitable. The twin guitar attack of Joseph Tholl and Adam Zaars sounds both new and retro at the same time as they encompass all that is good from the bands like the afore mentioned Maiden and turn it into a heavy metal juggernaut that sounds fresh and as powerful as any. These guys lay down some ferocious licks and trade solos that will have you turning any compatible object within reach into a standard issue 80's style air guitar.
Add to this one Olof Wikstrand whose voice hit me like the first time I heard the wail of Rob Halford. By the time you hit the chorus of the opening track "Midnight Vice" it is apparent that this guy can bring it with the best of them. Although he spends much of this disc in the upper echelon of his vocal ability, he has the capability to put a little grit to it when the need is there but for the most part he delivers the high energy, anthem like songs with all the punch that you expect from this type of outfit.
Now for the downside, even though all the songs on here are terrific examples of what made this kind of metal something special, there is a sameness to this album that cannot be ignored. If this disc is any indication then they need to sit down and find a way to change gears once in a while. Traveling at such a high rate of speed as they do on this disc, it will get boring if you never let off the gas once in awhile. Even on the very cool instrumental title track "Diamonds" it is full steam ahead. This is not a major point though as I can safely say that the whole disc is a very fun journey back in time with some new twist.
As a fan of the whole metal scene that emerged in the 80's, this album proves the timelessness of this type of music. Enforcer are good and they have the fire to bring the next generation into the world of power metal goodness. Give this one a try. You will not be disappointed.
Track listing:
1. Midnight Vice
2. Roll The Dice
3. Katana
4. Running In Menace
5. High Roller
6. Diamonds
7. Live For The Night
8. Nightmares
9. Walk With Me
10. Take Me To Hell
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