German thrashers Cruel Force are now ready with their fourth album. I really liked its predecessor, «Dawn Of The Axe» – and «Haneda» is no worse in any way. Quite the opposite. The band still seem hungry, serving up one killer riff after another. One of Cruel Force’s strengths is that they know how to write actual songs rather than simply stringing a bunch of riffs together. Just listen to «Sword Of Iron», with its fierce opening riff, bombastic chorus and wonderfully pompous melodic middle section, all brought together into a great whole.
That does not mean Cruel Force are reinventing the wheel. Far from it. This is more like a best-of collection from the 1980s speed and thrash metal scene. The band have plenty of obvious influences, and a lot of what I hear brings old classics to mind. The high toms make me think of early Sepultura. The instrumental «Crystal Skull» reminds me of Megadeth’s «Into the Lungs of Hell». And the cover makes me think of a Temu version of Iron Maiden’s «Powerslave». All of this could be coincidental, but it does not really matter. What matters is that «Haneda» is an album that kicks some serious ass, and fans of classic speed and thrash metal have a real treat in store here.
Released March 27th, 2026 on Shadow Kingdom Records.
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