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ENFORCER
Death By Fire

Nuclear Blast (2013)
Rating: 8/10

Death By Fire is the third opus by Swedish metaller’s Enforcer, who are carving out a fine career with their New Wave Of British Heavy Metal-style yearnings. With old school metal back in a big way, bands like Enforcer aren’t just keeping the home fires burning, but by hitting the right notes, will no doubt gain respectability with their style of raging metal.

The main reason Enforcer deserve respect is due to the fact that unlike so many current metal bands, they aren’t just opting for imitation, but instead are fusing their own unique style while wearing their influences on their sleeve. Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, early Metallica, Angel Witch, Raven and Satan are all to be found in the metal melting pot, with a dash of early 80s thrash too.

Where the band really shines however is in the fresh vocal attack of Olof Wikstrand, who has also taken over guitar duties from the departed Adam Zaars. Wikstrand has an almost 80s glam-tinged wail which is fused with a classic power metal style bravado; think old Helloween and that classic Euro metal feel. Wikstrand isn’t alone in the quest though, as behind him rumbles the runaway drum train that is his brother Jonas, who beefs up the record to monstrous proportions, particularly on cuts such as ‘Take Me Out Of This Nightmare’ and the frantic ‘Run For Your Life’.

Death By Fire is classic metal. It sounds old and yet fresh, no filler, all killer, and Tobias Lindqvist’s bass is as solid as a rock. Props must also go to Wikstrand’s right-hand man Joseph Tholl too. Together they’ve crafted a crystal clear yet driving record that never once lets up throughout its 35-minute duration. It’s an instantly accessible record that screams to the heavens with its soaring solos, juddering rhythms and frantic old school feel. In fact, it’s like a short book that one feels they must finish within a day so that they can go back through it.

It really is difficult to pick out a favourite track. The Iron Maiden-influenced instrumental ‘Crystal Suite’ is epic as it gallops like a vengeful headless horseman, while the thorny structures of ‘Satan’ (featuring Olaf Lindqvist’s best work) take me back to my youth. All I need is a fog machine in the front room to accompany me and I’ll be happy.

Admittedly, I found the bands previous two albums – Into The Night (2008) and Diamonds (2010) – rather average, but I feel that this time round Enforcer have really found themselves, and I certainly recommend these Swedes to anyone who wants something that combines the best of the modern era with that classic 80s sound. May Enforcer be with you.

Neil Arnold

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