Enforced - A Leap into the Dark

#PER CHI AMA: Thrash/Hardcore

Gli statunitensi Enforced li abbiamo già recensiti un paio di volte e quindi è stato semplice prendere il loro nuovo 'A Leap into the Dark' e analizzarne i contenuti che poco si discostano dalle release passate, proponendo infatti quel thrash metal che tributa band del calibro di Slayer, primissimi Testament ed Exodus. Tre nuovi brani, una riedizione della vecchia "Casket ", oltre a un paio di cover, quella degli Obituary di "Deadly Intentions" e quella degli English Dogs con "The Chase is On" per saggiare lo stato di forma della band originaria della Virginia. Il disco si apre con il riffing classico di "Betting on the End", una semplice e quanto mai efficace ritmica thrash su cui si innesta la voce roca del frontman e un paio di assoli ben assestati che mi hanno evocato i Testament di 'The Legacy' e un finale di chiara matrice slayeriana. Ah, bei ricordi andati. La title track attacca subito con un altro bell'assolo, da cui ripartire con un sound più arcigno, di matrice quasi hardcore, un forsennato giro di rullante e una bella cavalcata speed metal che sembra voler ricercare le proprie radici in 'Kill'em All' dei Metallica; un bel cambio di tempo ed ecco il nuovo giro di assoli a sollevare una song fin troppo spigolosa e angosciante. Una ritmica scuola 'Seasons in the Abyss' per la successiva "Deafening Heartbeats", con tanto di brevi rasoiate solistiche a rinforzare la veemenza dei nostri, fino a quando la band rallenta pericolosamente nel finale. "Casket" è un singolo che era comparso in una compilation del Decibel Magazine nel 2021 che mantiene una più intatta componente thrash/hardcore che mi emoziona molto meno rispetto alle precedenti tre tracce, forse perchè qui non c'è ombra di quegli assoli che reputo indispensabili per il genere. In chiusura, le due cover già menzionate: quella degli Obituary, con il brano estratto da 'Slowly We Rot', sembra ricalcare fedelmente l'originale, anche se la voce di John Tardy è quasi inimitabile, mentre le saettate di chitarra sono davvero una figata. L'ultima song suona invece come un tributo al punk hardcore degli inglesi English Dogs, con un pezzo che non fitta esattamente i miei gusti, essendo troppo spinta verso il versante sporco, brutto e cattivo dell'hardcore. 'A Leap into the Dark' è comunque alla fine un gradito ritorno per tutti i fan della band di Richmond. (Francesco Scarci)

(Century Media - 2024)
Voto: 65

https://enforced.bandcamp.com/album/a-leap-into-the-dark-ep-24-bit-hd-audio

Enforced - At The Walls

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Thrash/Crossover

The only thing that lacked on here, was a good production sound. There seemed to be somewhat of an echo to the vibe, but the music is top notch! I like the fact that they're a 5-piece. These types seem to be the best there is! I love the riffs on this one too! They're fast and furious, definitely an album worth checking out. The music is quality. And the vocals go well with the music, too! They did a good job with the lead guitars as well. But the rhythms I key in more than anything else! Totally original riffs and songs filled with ultimate vigor! Their energy on here was phenomenal!

This band is definitely underground! I'm not too familiar with crossover metal but I do know that Power Trip is one also. Enforced had a definitely stronger production sound on the new album, but this one might've been on a lower budget. Though these guys tear it up! Everything on here is quality and I'm sure hearing the songs live would sound better than this recording. I'm not sure about that, I just know that is why I took points off from this release. It could've been longer, too. It's clocked in under 30 minutes in length. It's still good, though! I like this album and band quite a lot, that's for sure!

As I've pointed out, the production could've been better, but the mixing was good. You can hear everything quite well. And the music on here is tops with me! The riffs original, the vocals unique and the overall sound the music has to it is above average! I will continue to support this band! They seem like down-to-earth people and their music is enjoyable to listen to! I think thrash is my favorite genre and that mixed with crossover is a definite boon to this quality debut! I have no beef with the guitars or the vocals. Everyone seemed to do their part in this recording. I'm just surprised that I found out about them a little bit later on in their career.

I have yet to get this on CD, right now I'm working with the Spotify version of the album. I still think that CD's are better when listening to an album. I think I'm right in saying that! Anyway, this one is definitely worth checking out. The riffs are what hit home with me! I just wish the album was longer, it's under 30 minutes. I suppose they wanted to put what they had at the time out there just to get in with the metal community. Everything else is fine, I talked about the production being sub par. It's not the greatest, but at least you get to hear the riffs and everything else in quality form. Check it out! (Death8699)

(War Records - 2019)
Score: 75

https://enforced.bandcamp.com/album/at-the-walls

Enforced - Kill Grid

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Death/Thrash, Slayer

What a dynamic release! Heavy, brutal, fast, and furious! I like the energy on here. It's way high on the thrash/crossover scale in terms of intensity! I hadn't heard this good of a release since now! Their energy is rampant and they've created some high-quality riffs to their music on here. The vocals compliment the music absolutely they remind me a little of the vocals on the band Plague Years. Different genre however. It's the only parallel I could envision this on here to be. Just different yet aggressive sort of hoarse throat. The whole band does a great job of putting together solid music!

I like the riffs the most, they don't seem to let up for most of the release. I'm in favor of all the songs, they're dynamite! The intensity is ferocious and the riffs are rather innovative. I think it's safe to say they've got their own sort of sound. Though they show their influences wholeheartedly. Maybe a little like Slayer, Exodus, et al though their riffs are original. I like the thick sound and chunkiness of the guitar. It's rather charged with voltage they play their solos pretty well out too. It's undying intensity here and it's brought to my attention that the drummer on here Alex came with his awesome influences that made the album possible, along with the rest.

I though that the production sound quality is top notch. And the gallops in the riffs are wholeheartedly amazing. They don't stop in these gallops and tremolo picking yet show more resemblance to old Metallica via 'Kill 'em All' era. There really isn't a part of the album that's left unscathed in regards to the energy put forth. It's mainly the intensity factor that holds true for the entire album. It's a wholehearted effort here in terms of who made contributions. Alex was a say put forth through the drums but the whole band contributed. These guys will exist for a way of time being as masters of their genres.

I did get the CD of this band and thought highly of it! The band is impressive and worth an A- in terms of their effort. They really know how to kick major butt in metal. I would encourage you to check them out if not buying their CD but at least on Bandcamp or YouTube. I was blown away when I first heard this album. It's really interesting that they float in two genres thrash and crossover metal. They dominate entirely and blow away their competition! They're so good at what they do the music just is simply irreplaceable. Please do yourself a favor and check this album out ASAP! It's worth it! (Death8699)

(Century Media - 2021)
Score: 78

https://enforced.bandcamp.com/album/kill-grid