Enforcer is a heavy metal band from Chicago, Illinois, USA. They started up in 1982, and are still playing together. However, their only claim to fame was a 5-track demo cassette, recorded in 1984.

CLASSIC CHICAGO METAL (CD/DVD) (1984/2009) STORMSPELL RECORDS

In recent years there has been an increase in reissued material. What started as a demand from metal fans worldwide to have out of print classics reissued, has escalated into today's market, with several record labels specializing in reissuing obscure metal from the past. It seems that the more obscure, the better. Stormspell Records is one of the labels with the most success. Here they bring us an ultra rare demo, originally released on cassette only, back in 1984.

Raise your hands, everybody who had heard about Chicago's Enforcer before this reissue? Not many, I would guess. I must admit, I was totally unfamiliar with this band. I've later seen the original demo surface on some of the download blogs on the net, like Ian Christe's (renowned metal critic, and author of 'Sound of the Beast - The Complete Headbanging History of Heavy Metal') demo archive, Bazillion Points. However, since Stormspell Records have a knack for delivering the goods, and I really loved the cover art for this reissue (remember when you used to buy an album, just because the artwork was cool?), buying it was a no-brainer, despite the somewhat corny title.

Enforcer were/are a no-frills metal band. Heavily influenced by the doomy sludge of Black Sabbath, this Chicago quartet delivered ballsy metal ala Trouble, Tyrant and Count Raven. The first 3 tracks from the original demo are evident of that particular sound. They were all recorded in March of 1984. The band later went back into the studio in June, and recorded 2 faster songs. All 5 tracks can be labeled classic heavy metal though. This is raw and unadulterated, pure metal, played with conviction and determination. 'Classic Chicago Metal' combines the 5 demo tracks with 7 previously unreleased rehearsal recordings. 5 of them were recorded as a rehearsal to the demo recording session. It is evident from hearing the band "live" that they were a tight outfit. Not that the music is very complex or anything. But one can tell that they perform as a unit.  While all of these songs have gone through a remastering process, one must still remember that we are talking about demos and rehearsal tracks from the mid-80's. One can only wonder what a proper full length recording would have done for the bands career. Because the material they deliver here is top notch. Personal favorites here include the epic "Final Conflict", and the faster "Bury The Knife".

'Classic Chicago Metal' comes as a CD/DVD package. The DVD part consists of concert footage, recorded in 2008. Here the band rips through all the songs from the demo, as well as a rewritten version of "Winter", now entitled "Metal Till Death". "Rumors Of My Demise" is a brand new song, while "Destiny" is one of the bands oldest songs.

As metal became a force to be reckoned with, and bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest were enjoying massive success, there were still a plethora of unknown garage bands releasing demos like this back during the mid-80's. Most of them never made any waves outside their local community. So while Enforcer have seemingly have held together all these years, and played gigs every now and then, 'Classic Chicago Metal' might be their best chance to get their name out. I'm not going to claim that this is the coolest band you've never heard, nor claim that they are essential to your collection. But if you like to dive into the obscure metal past, and reach beyond the acts that managed to secure a record deal, then Enforcer is a good choice.