Enforcer - Death By Fire

In 2010, Enforcer blew me away with 'Diamonds'. An album full of memorable and catchy riffs, great vocal moments with many memorable lines and each song was classic. Not to mention so reminiscent of the 80s. With such an amazing albums comes great expectation for their latest album, 'Death By Fire'. Again, an impressive effort.

What catches my intention right away with this album is how 'different' it is to 'Diamonds'. It is still Enforcer of course but a much rawer, much speedier version this time around. On 'Diamonds', it was dominated by twin leads and far more melodic. On 'Death By Fire', speeding riffs tends to dominate more (eg: 'Death Rides This Night' and 'Run For Your Life'). That isn't to say the former is missing as songs like 'Take Me Out Of This Nightmare' and 'Silent Hour / The Conjuration' carries that formula. Again, the riffs catch on and the lead work in sync with the bass lines brings classic Maiden to mind at times.

Olof's vocals have more force this time around. 'Diamonds' showed a much more melodic side and much more note carrying. This time the delivery is quick and sharp and the note carrying isn't much of a prime player. The song titles dominate the chorus lines making them even more memorable as well. My favourite moment thought would have to be on 'Sacrificed' where it is a great mix of the two styles.

Production wise, 'Diamonds' was clean. It had to be. It was far more melodic. 'Death By Fire' is raw. 'Diamonds' sounded like a classic album from an 80s band that made it big. 'Death By Fire' has that slight graze in the sound that makes it sound like an underground classic album from the 80s from a band that was too raw and too dark  in atmosphere to make it big. I prefer it this way anyway.

When ever I write about a Swedish band, I always write about how they can capture any sound from any period and make it sound perfect. Of all these bands, Enforcer is leading the way for me. Again, a wonderfully executed album that keeps the past relevant and fresh for all the right reasons. Superb.

Ikil