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WANTON ATTACK
Wanton Attack

No Remorse (2021)
Rating: 9/10

Mercyful Fate vibes arise from the flames of this intriguing self-titled debut album from a band the metal world needs to keep an eye on. Hailing from Norrköping in Sweden and formed in 2019, Wanton Attack consists of Micael Zetterberg (vocals and drums) and Niklas Holm (guitar and bass).

Since the 80s Sweden has spewed out a cauldron of classy metal acts; some better known than others, but all brimming with a steely, mystical confidence. Add Wanton Attack to the leathery pile then as you are smoked out of your hole by a batch of blazing songs that emit a devilish air.

The album is too short at 29 minutes, but I’ve been tucking into this one as if it’s a buffet put on by Lucifer for his cronies.

‘Demonic Forces Prevail’ is exquisite and esoteric, flame-grilled and mythical as instruments swirl like dying embers as the duo fuse a creaky New Wave Of British Heavy Metal-style of sizzle to a satanic Mercyful Fate séance. It’s dark, majestic metal boasting authentic eeriness and no doubt conjured in some phantasmal fjord. Sure, this is the sort of spell-binding metal that stirs the memory bank of the 80s and paints images of Helms Deep.

The title cut fizzes hard, blazing like home fires combating the chill. Everything here feels tight and right, suspenseful and esoteric as pace gives way to mood. The galloping ‘The Beast Will Be Tamed’, the blazing ‘His Master’s Voice’, the speeding bullet of the Judas Priest-esque ‘Fatal Technology’, the enchanting yet fiery ‘Crystal Ball’ and the mesmeric closer ‘Arrogant Humanity’ are all draped with an ethereal vocal quality circa lower end King Diamond.

What better way to spend your autumn than with a soundtrack of bonfire crackles and Wanton Attack’s beguiling beast.

Neil Arnold

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