Enforcer started as a one-man project of Olof Wikstrand (Vocals), in 2004. Hailing from Arvika, Sweden, and with a background from several local thrash metal bands, he set out to create a timeless heavy metal act. After recruiting Adam Zaars (Guitar), Joseph Tholl (Bass) and Jonas Wikstrand (Drums), recording a demo (later also released as a 7" single), and appearing on Heavy Artillery's 'Speed Kills...Again'-compilation, the band started to work on their first full album. 'Into The Night' was released in 2008, again through Heavy Artillery Records.

"Power  Speed  Death"

INTO THE NIGHT (2008) HEAVY ARTILLERY RECORDS

Not to be confused with Enforcer from Chicago, whom StormSpell Records released a demo collection from in 2009, the Enforcer we're talking about here is a rather young band from Sweden. They are one of many bands that received lots of praise in the underground metal circuits, yet I was late in catching up with their music. I first heard them on Heavy Artillery's killer 'Speed Kills.... Again'-compilation CD, together with bands like Avenger of Blood and Merciless Death. But now it's all about their debut album, named 'Into The Night'.

These younglings set out to create a total 80's old school, underground metal package. With influences hailing from the much talked about NWOBHM era, and the contemporary speed/thrash metal scene going on in America at the same time, Enforcer lands somewhere in the middle. Bands like Exciter and Anvil comes to mind immediately. Then you know we're talking raw energy and relentless speed. The frantic tempo never ceases, and the only breathing space on the album comes with the instrumental track. At times you almost wonder if these guys are really serious, or if they are going for a parody? But, make no mistake, these Swedes are very serious about their sound. When interviewed by Sweden Rock Magazine on playing "old school", they answered that heavy metal isn't old school; it's timeless! 'Into The Night' is packed with spandex, denim & leather clad testosterone. Behind the ferocious speed, there is actually some decent playing. Granted this is not music for feinschmeckers, you still have to know how to write and play this kind of stuff too. And I would like to challenge anyone to sing alongside Olof, in the same high pitched manner as he does. Sure, he might be an acquired taste to some. But the fact is, he brings charisma and credibility to the sound.

I have to admit that it took me a while to really appreciate 'Into The Night'. The total lack of originality (a quick search on Encyclopedia Metallum reveals 8 more bands named Enforcer, and 6 other albums entitled 'Into The Night'), beside the fact that they are recreating 1983 in 2008, was hard to look past. I also had to get used to Olof's voice initially. But with all that in the past, I'm now really enjoying this debut. The production is of 2008 standards, but not in an overproduced modern power metal way at all. They're keeping it as simple as possible, yet retaining every instrument clear and audible in the mix. 'Into The Night' is sure to appeal to everyone willing to travel back in time to an era when metal was still something united by tape traders and pimple-faced longhairs in poster-tapestried boys rooms all over the world. "Power  Speed  Death" indeed!

Killer tracks: Mistress From Hell, Into The Night, On The Loose, Scream Of The Savage, Evil Attacker