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TERMINATION FORCE
Netherworld EP

Self-released (2022)
Rating: 7.5/10

A year after introducing themselves with a solid demo, UK metalheads Termination Force hits the final month of 2022 with this five-track affair. Rich Rutter (vocals), Jamie Brooks (guitar), David Lovell (bass) and Neil Anderson (drums) are those responsible for some rollicking heavy metal that has no interest in gimmicks. Instead, they rattle along with an Accept-style of grit and snap, particularly in the vocal cries of Rutter.

Opener ‘After The Fall’ is a mid-paced banger strong in its bass and percussive drive and there’s a flirtation with 80s speed metal too once the axe work really gets going. For me though it’s the namesake cut ‘Termination Force’ which really sizzles, taking me back to those Euro metal releases from Noise Records which would bridge the gap between traditional metal, power metal and thrash in the vein of Flotsam And Jetsam.

Basically, this is one of those reliable yet fiery releases that is potent throughout. The juddering bass and cutting riff on ‘Target Locked’ frazzles the ears with its energy and niftiness, and ‘Heart Racer’ again showcases the axe talent of Brooks. Meanwhile, the closing title tune builds with a devious chug and searing melody.

This really is a rock-hard, sneering yet melodious metal offering from a band that delivers to the point metal that is extremely comfortable drifting into thrashier zones. Rutter’s vocals do take a short while getting used to, more so when they exist as a yap, but for the most part he’s able to flex his vocal muscles and provide a more powerful assault too. Good stuff then from these Southampton hellhounds and I look forward to the full-length.

Neil Arnold

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